
461 



y " ^/ '-f "■/ '/ .• 7 



riNp 






I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. I 

o 






I UXITED STATES 0. 




-<Si^ 



THE 



AMERICAN BIRD FANCIER; 



CONSIDERED AVITH 



REFERENCE TO THE BREEDING, REARING, FEEDING, 
MANAGEMENT, AND PECULIARITIES 



CAGE AND HOUSE BIRDS 



WITH REMARKS ON THEIR 



DISEASES ANSJ REMEDIES; 



DRAWN FROM AUTHENTIC SOURCES AND PERSONAL OBSERVATION. 



.C>^\ 



^ 



BY D. JcvaBROWNE, 

AUTHOR OF THE SYLVA AMERICAKA, THE AMERICAN POULTRY YARD, 
ETCo ETC. 



^^^ 




Illustrated with Engravings, 



^tw Sork 



PUBLISHED BY C. M. SAXTON 

M. D C C. li I. 



Q.^^- 



<F4L! 



tA 

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the yeai- 1850, by 

CHARLES M. SAXTON, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Coui-t of the United States for the Southern 

District of New York. 



Turnetj S,- Bro.^s Stereotype. 
16 Spruce St., JVew York. 



INDEX 



PAGES. 

Birds, Breeding of 16 

Food of 11 

Habitation of 9 

gong of 8 

Young of, Time for Removing 

from the Nest 16 

Blackbird, European 70 

Skimk 73 

Bob-o-link 73 

Bunting, Rice 73 

Butter Bird 73 

Canary Bird 26 

Cat Bird 67 

Diseases of Tame Birds 16, 39, 50, 59, 72 

Asthma 17 

Atrophy, or Wasting 19 

Bloody Flux 20 

Consumption 19 

Costiveness 20 

Diarrhoea 20 

Epilepsy 21 

Moulting 23 

Obstruction of the Rump Gland 21 

of the Feet 22 

Pairing Fever 24 

Parasitic Vermin 4 

Pip, or Thnish 17 

Rheum 17 

Sore Eyes 23 

Tumors and Ulcers 23 

Tympany, or Bloating 22 

Unnatm-al Fatness 25 

Vertigo, or Giddiness 24 

Dove, Wild 81 

Goldfinch 41 

American 51 

Linnet 46 



PAGES. 

Mavy, Red . . , G5 

Meadow Bird 65 

Mocking Bird 60 

French 65 

Pigeon, Barb 94 

Biset 85 

iiroad or Fan-tailed Shaker 81 

Capuchin , 93 

Carrier 88 

Dragoon 92 

Helmet 96 

Horseman 89 

Jacobin, or Jack 92 

Mawmet, or Mahomet 93 

Nun 95 

Pouter , 90 

Rock 81 

Tumblers 86 

Tm-bit 94 

Wliite-rumped 81 

QuaU, European 104 

Raven 77 

Red Pole 46 

Reed Bird 73 

Rice Bird 73 

Bunting 73 

Troopial 73 

Robin, American 54 

Redbreast 54 

Tlirasher 65 

Thrush, Brown 65 

Ferruginous 65 

Migrating 54 

Red-breasted 54 

Song 57 

Thistle Finch 41 

Yellow Bird 51 



ILLUSTRATIONS, 



PAGES. 

Aerie 100 

Aviary (Vignette) 5 

Bulfinch (Vignette on Title). 

Cages for Breeding 15, 32 

Canaries and Nest 28 

Canary-Bird Cage 37 

Dove, Wild 82 

Goldfinch 43 

Linnet 47 



Cage 

Pigeon, Bald-pated Tumbler 

Barb 

Broad or Fan-tailed Shaker , 
Carrier 



PAGES. 

Pigeon, Dragoon 92^ 

Horseman 90 

Houses 98 

Jacobin, or Jack 93 

Pouter 90 

Ring (Vignette) 81 

Rock 82 

Shaker, Broad-tailed 85 

Tumbler, Bald-pated 87 

49 Turbit 95 

Quail, European 105 

94|Raven 78 

85! Robin, Emopean 55 

88;Thrush, Song 58 



gp^ . ^^ 



ADVERTISEME]!^T. 



IN issuing the pi-esent little treatise, tlie publisiier would say a word respecting its 
chai-aeter and the manner in which it has been composed.. He is fully aware of 
the limited nature of the work, when compared with the bomidless science of which 
it forms a part, and would have cheerfully extended the subject had he belie^-ed the 
wants and economy of the American public required it. To those who wish further 
to pui-sue the subject, he would I'ecommend tlio more elaborate treatises of Audubon, 
Wilson, Bonaparte, Nuttall, and Dekay, for American birds, and pailiciilarly the works 
of Dr. Bechstein for the birds of Em-ope. 

An intimate knowledge of Natural History, being an enthusiastic lover of the 
feathered tribes, having been familiar with Ih^m from his earliest childhood, has 
well qualified Mr. Browne for -WTiting this, and if necessary, an extensile work. He 
v/ill doubtless be recolleeted by many as the editor of "• The Naturalist,"^ a monthly 
periodical, published in Boston some twenty years ago, and more recently as the 
author of the " American PouUiy Yard " and of a treatise on American trees 
Within the above-named period, he has travelled and resided for a considerable 
time in various pai-ts of North imd Fouth Ai^erica, the West Indies, Europe, and 
Western Africa, (having passed several months at the Ganaiy Islands,) for the express 
pm-pose of investigating, amiong other objects,, the natural features of those countries, 
where he had ample opportunities for studying the habits of birds both in a state of 
nature, and in confinement, the most advantageous m'eaiis of procuj-ing themj and the 
proper mode of feeding and m<iintah>ing them in health. 

In order that the author may not be axjcused of the reproach of wearing " bor- 
rowed plumes," it is hereby candidly confessed that he has made a free use of the 
writings of Audubon, Nuttall, and particularly those of Di-. Bechsteic, as well as of the 
"Boy's Treasury of Sports," without giving them, in numerous instances, such ci-edit 
as the punctilious critic would seem to demand., lie this as it may, the author has 
endeavored not to deviate from established custons^ except in cases where he deemed 
it expedient to change the langu^e, in part, for the sake of brevity, elucidation, or 
Americanisiirg the subject, or adapting it to oiir climate, economy, and social con- 
dition. Much of the matter, however, and several of the illustrations, he claims to 
be original. 

The publisher, therefore, confidiently presents the "American Bird Fancier" lo 
the public with the full belief that it containes such infoi-mation on the subject, as the 
taste and economy of our fail "ountry women and their childi'en reqiure. 

G. M. SAXTON. 



New York, March 20, 1850. 




^--Ai_ii^ 







I R D S , from their elegant and 
beautiful coloring, the graceful ease 
of their flight, their varied music, 
their tender solicitude for their young, their singular and 
engaging instincts, their susceptibility of domestication., and 
their subserviency to the sustorjance of man, have, for ages 
past, attracted ■universal admiration, and, as objects of human 
interest, and even affection, tkey stand foremost, perhaps, in 
the entire range of aniuiated nature. 



INTRODUCTION. 

The structure of birds and their habits of life, are wonder- 
fully adapted to the various functions they are destined to 
perform. The pointed beak, the long and pliant neck, the 
gently-swelling shoulder, the expansive wings, the tapering 
tail, the light and bony feet, are all wisely calculated to assist 
and accelerate their motion through the yielding air. Every 
part of their frame is formed for lightness and buoyancy; their 
bodies are covered with a soft and delicate plumage, so dis- 
posed as to protect them from the intense cold of the atmosphere 
through which they pass ; their wings are made of the lightest 
materials, and yet, the force with which they strike the air is 
so great, as to impel their bodies forward with astonishing 
rapidity, while the tail serves as a rudder to direct them to the 
different objects of their pursuit. 

The internal structure of birds is no less wisely adapted to 
the same purposes. Their lungs have several openings, com- 
municating with corresponding air bags, or cells, which fill 
the whole cavity of the body from tl 3 neck downwards, and 
into which the air passes and re-pab es, in the process of 
breathing. This is not all ; their very bones are hollowed out 
with the design of receiving air from the lungs, from which 
air pipes are conveyed to the most solid parts of the body, and 
even into the quills and plumelets of the feathers which are 
hollow or spongy for its reception. As all these hollow paits, 
as well as the cells, are only open on the side communicating 
with the lungs, the bird requires only to take in a full breath 
to fill and distend its whole body with air, which, in conse- 
quence of the considerable heat of its body, is rendered much 
lighter than the air of the atmosphere. By forcing this air out 
of the body again, the weight becomes so much increased, that 
birds of a large size can dart down from great heights in the 
air with astonishing rapidity. 

This almost universal diffusion of air in the bodies of birds 
is of infinite use to them, not only in these long and laborious 
flights, but likewise in preventing their respiration from being 
stopped or interrupted by the rapidity of their motion through 
a resisting medium. Were it possible for man to move with 

^m>- ^ — ~- — ^~~ -^vi 



Qi^ mg 

Y INTRODUCTION. 7 Y 

the swiftness of a swallow, the actual resistance of the air, as 
he is not provided with internal reservoirs similar to those of 
birds, would soon suffocate him. 

The digestive organs of birds form them into two distinct 
natural classes; those with cartilaginous stomachs, covered 
with very strong muscles, called a gizzard; and those with 
membranous stomachs more resembling those of carnivorous 
quadrupeds. The former is given to birds, the principal food 
of which is grain and seeds of various kinds, or other hard sub- 
stances that require much friction to divide, or comminute, to 
assist which, gravel is necessary ; the latter is given to birds 
which feed upon flesh or fish, and whose digestion is accele- 
rated more by the gastric juice than by the action of the 
stomach. Those of the first class digest or retain every sub- 
stance swallowed; and those which eject or disgorge innu- 
tritious matter unavoidably taken in, such as feathers, fur, 
bones, &c., belong to the second class, as is conspicuous in 
those that feed on fish. Graminivorous birds seem to possess 
the power of retaining the small stones taken into the gizzard, 
or evacuating them, when they become polished and less 
useful, but cannot disgorge them. In a state of nature, the 
quantity of gravel taken in, must be regulated, no doubt, by the 
sensation of the stomach ; but, wonderful as it may seem, in 
domesticated animals, those instinctive faculties are deranged. 
Instances frequeijtly occur where the whole cavity of the 
gizzard is filled with gravel stones. The food of graminivorous 
birds is conveyed entire into the first stomach, or craw, where 
it undergoes a partial dilution by a liquor secreted from the 
glands, and spread over its surface. It is then received into 
. another species of stomach, where it is still further diluted, 
after which it is transmitted into \he gizzard, or true stomach, 
consisting of two very strong musrcles, externally covered with 
a tendinous substance, and lined with a thick membrane of 
prodigious power and strength, in which organ the food is com- 
pletely triturated, and prepared for the operation of the gastric 
juices. 

Graminivorous birds partake much of the nature and dispo- i 



INTRODUCTION. Y 

sition of herbivorous quadrupeds, agreeing with them in the 
number of their stomachs, the quality of their food, and the 
gentleness of their manners. Content with the seeds of plants, 
with fruits, insects, and worms, their principal attention is 
directed to procuring food, hatching and rearing their offspring, 
and eluding the snares of men and the attacks of predaceous 
animals. The stomachs of carnivorous birds are smaller 
than those of the graminivorous kinds, and their intestines 
arc much shorter. Many species of birds possess a reservoir 
for food, called a craw, or crop, which seems to answer the 
same purpose as the first stomach of ruminating animals. 
Here it is that the food is softened and prepared for the 
stomach, or carried to the young. 



THE SONG- OF BIRDS. 

The song of birds is always, if not the expression of love, at 
least that of pleasure. Thus, the nightingale sings only as 
long as pairing time or hatching lasts, and is silent as soon as 
it is compelled to feed its young; whereas, the goldfinch and 
Canary sing throughout the year, and only cease when moult- 
ing dejects them. 'J'lie continuation of the song of these birds, 
however, by no means proves that it is not occasioned by the 
stimulus of love. 

Song appears to be the especial privilege of the male, 
whereby it either attracts the female or seeks to obtain her 
love; for there are but few females which produce notes 
similar to the song of the male, and these almost exclusively 
in a state of widowhood. They listen attentivel}'-, in fact, to 
the greater or less perfection or charm of the song of the male, 
to bestow upon that one their love whom they esteem the most 
accomplished singer. Thus, the most sprightly hen Canary 
selects the best singer ; and the chaffinch, when at liberty, will 
choose from among a hundred males the one whose song best 
pleases her. 



INTRODUCTION. 



HABITATION OF CAGE OR CHAMBER BIRDS. 



9 V 



Birds which are kept only on account of their beauty, or for 
their animation and vivacity, are generally kept best in a room 
where they can run or fly freely about, and where they can 
resort at night for repose, to a large cage of many compart- 
ments, or to one or more fir trees. But larger birds should 
have an apartment expressly appropriated to them, as their 
fgeces smell unpleasantly in a dwelling room, whence also they 
require constant cleaning. Smaller birds may be allowed to 
run freely about, having a small tree or a cage hung up for 
them to roost in. With this degree of liberty, many birds sing 
better than when confined in a cage. 

Cleanliness is in every respect very important in keeping 
birds, for they are not only thereby preserved for many years 
but it keeps them constantly healthy and cheerful ; hence it is 
necessary that the cage should be cleaned at least once a- week, 
and birds which run about upon the ground, should have the 
sand renewed frequently ; the perches also of such as use them 
should be carefully cleaned. If this be not attended to, the 
birds will become sickly, and will suffer from lame feet, gout, 
and other maladies, terminating in the loss of their toes, as all 
must have experienced who have been accustomed to keep 
birds, and have neglected cleansing them. In cleaning their 
feet, it is very requisite that the bird should have them dipped 
in water before the dirt is removed ; for if this be not done, the 
skin, to which the dirt closely adheres, comes off with it, which 
renders the bird not merely lame, but also attracts to the part 
all the unhealthy humors generated by their unnatural mode 
of living. 

It is in the feet indeed that cage or chamber birds chiefly 
suffer, and they must be daily examined to see that nothing 
gets entangled about them, as hair thus twisted will frequently 
cut very deep, and in the course of a few days, that portion of 
the foot or toe, so tied up, will dry up and fall off'. Very great 



e)m> 4 

Y 10 INTRODUCTION. 

attention must be pg-id to this particular circumstance, as 
scarcely a bird can be preserved for any length of time with 
all its toes uninjured. It is not to be denied, however, that 
many birds keep themselves exceedingly neat, whilst others, 
even of the same genus, are so uncleanly, that they are not 
only always soiling themselves, but never clean their feet, 
beak, nor wings. 

Some bird fanciers take delight in making birds so tame as 
to be taken upon the hand into the open air, or to be allowed 
to fly away and come back again upon a call. " One of my 
friends," says Dr. Bechstein, " who has tamed birds as well as 
otters, adders, foxes, weasels, and martins, so that they would 
follow him upon a sign given, adopts the following easy and 
certain method to effect it : — When he wishes to accustom a 
bird to fly abroad, or to go out with him perched upon his 
finger or his shoulder, he first teases it with a soft feather in 
its cage which stands open. The bird soon snaps at the feather, 
and then at his finger, and it will then come out of the cage, and 
perch upon the extended finger; he immediately strokes it, 
and lays a few choice morsels before it. These, the bird will 
soon take out of the hand its'-lf He then commences by 
familiarising the bird with som: peculiar call or whistle, and 
he carries it, as soon as it permits itself to be grasped in the 
hand, placed upon his hand or shoulder, from chamber to 
chamber, taking care to close the doors and v\^indows ; he then 
suffers it to fly, and calls it back again. As soon as it attends 
to this call without being scared or frightened, he takes it 
cautiously into the open air, and '.bus the bird becomes 
gradually so accustomed to him that he can carry it abroad or 
into company without its offering to fly away." 

Care, however, must be taken not to carry adult birds, which 
have been thus tamed, into the open air where they can hear 
then' fellows, in the spring or at pairing time, which are 
usually the periods when they show indications of resuming 
their native wildness. 

If it is wished to teach a bird to eat out of the mouth, it 
^ must be kept for a time in the cage without food, and then 

Mm— 



•a,i^= — 

Y INTRODUCTION 1 1 

j when sitting upon tlie fingei- its favorite ibod must be held lo 
it upon the tip of the exteded tongue. Hunger soon teaches it 
to peck. Such tame birds learn, also, speedily to sing upon the 
finger. To accomplish this, nothing more is necessary than 
to induce it by certain tones, motions, and fondling. But it 
is still further requisite to observe in this process of taming, 
that, to be effectual, it should be continued for a longer time 
tlian is here laid down. May we not presume that the bird 
will, in the course of a few weeks, do that freely which has 
been taught, or rather forced upon it, in this short space of 
time. 



FOOD OF TAME BIRDS. 

In selecting the food of birds in confinement, it is requisite 
to do so, as far as is practicable^ in accordance with the nature 
of its food in a natural state. This, indeed, is frequently 
difficult, if not wholly impossible. Great caution, therefore, 
must be observed to accustom the birds we keep, or rather 
their s'o: lachs, by degrees, to the food we are compelled to 
supply tliem, although it cannot be denied that there are 
birds, also, which, as soon as they are placed in the aviary, eat 
anything that is given to them. But others arc more deli- 
cate, and will not eat at all, partly from grief at the loss of 
their liberty, and partly from not finding the food they have 
been accustomed to. Great care must therefore, be taken of 
these. If such as are known to be delicate — the majority of 
singing birds — for instance, commence greedily eating as soon 
as they are placed in the chamber, it is a bad sign ; for they 
will certainly die, as it implies an unnatural indifterence to the 
loss of their liberty, v.hich is almost always deducible from 
sickliness. Those which creep into corners and seem for 
some hours to pine, it is less necessary to be anxious 
about; but they must not be disturbed until their ill-humor 
subsides. 

\ Dr. Mover, of Offenbach, Germany, remarks as follows upon , 
S " % 

o.m> ■ — — -^^ 



' 12 INTRODUCTION. "^ 

'this subject : — " An almost unfailing mode of accustoming' ^J>^s 
to their food, which is known to be extremely difficult in many, 
is thus : Let the bird be placed in a cage in the room where it 
is purposed to be kept ; give it freely appropriate food and 
drink in open vessels ; leave it thus undisturbed for several 
hours ; then catch it and dip it in fresh water, and again place 
it in its former cage. It will uow sit for some moments 
thoroughly exhausted, but will soon recover and begin preen- 
ing itself, and in the course of a few minutes become extremely 
animated, and then it will certainly eat the food put before it. 
Doubtless the same cause produces an appetite in birds after 
bathing as in man." 

In order to give some general rules for the best food of cage 
or house birds, I have divided them, after Dr. Bech stein, into 
foLU- Ibllowing classes:— 

The first comprehends those birds which live only on seeds, 
such as Canaries, goldfinches. Siskins, &c. 

The second are those which feed both on seeds and insects, 
such as quails, larks, cat birds, and mocking birds; some of 
these also eat the buds and berries of trees. 

The third are those which seek only berries and insects, 
such as nightingales, redbreasts, thrushes, and the like. 

The fourth are those which eat insects only, such as wag- 
tails, woodpeckers, cuckoos, &c. 

The birds in the last-named class are the most difficult to 
preserve ; but most of them, having nothing particular in their 
song, offer but little compensation for the trouble and care 
which they require. 

Recipe for a General Food.^— In proportion to the number of 
?,irds, white bread enough must be baked to last for three 
months. When it is well baked and stale, it must be put again 
into the oven, and left there imtil cold. It is then fit to be 
pounded in a mortar, and will keep several months without 
becoming bad, Every day a teaspoonful for each bird is taken 
of this meal, on which is poured three times as much cold, or 
lukewarm, (but not boiling,) milk. If the meal be good, a firm 

paste will be formed, which must be chopped very small on a I 

■ ' ' ■ ■ m 

^. ^-;^)(^ 



INTRODUCTION. 

board. This paste, -which is very nourishing, may "® ^®P ^ 
long time without becoming sour or sticky; on the conu"^^'^' ]^ 
is always dry and brittle. As soon as a delicate biru ^'^ 
brought in, some flies or chopped worms should be mixed witi.^ 
the paste, which will attract it to eat. It will soon be accus- 
tomed to this food, which will keep it in life and health. 

Although the notice of a universal remedy is generally 
suspicious, the two following sorts of paste have been recom- 
meTided, and used with success, agreeing well with all, or 
nearly aij« tamed birds, if we except those which are con- 
fined in cao"es 9^ account of their beautiful songs. They are 
not only very simple' and cheap, but also prevent great loss of 
time to lliose who possess a great number of birds. 

Universal Paste.— To make tliC first paste, take a white loaf 
which is well baked and stale ; put it into fresh water, and 
leave it there until quite soaked through ; then' squeeze out the 
water and pour boiled milk over the loaf, adding about two 
thirds the quantity of barley meal with the bran well s?ftcd out, 
or, what is still better, wheat meal. 

For the second paste, grate a carrot very nicely (this rov'^t 
may be kept nearly a whole year if buried in sand) ; then soak a 
small white loaf in fresh water, press the water out, and put it 
and the grated carrot into an earthen pan; add two handfuls of 
barley or wheat meal, and mix the whole well together with a 
pestle. 

These pastes should be made fresh every morning, as they 
soon become sour, particularly the first, and consequently 
hurtful. 

Every morning, fresh water must be given to the birds, both 
for drinking and bathing. When a great many are left at 
liberty, one dish will do for them all, about eight inches long, 
and two in width and depth, divided into several partitions, 
by which means they are prevented from plunging entirely 
into the water, and in consequence making the place always 
dirty and damp. A vessel of the same size and shape will 
do for holding the universal paste, but then it must have no 
partitions. 



Cf^-; . ^r^, 

Y 14 INTEODUCTION. 

Those birds which devour cyer3'thing thrown to them, must 
be protected against the possibility of having any food given 
to them that contains pepper or much salt, and especially 
against putrid meat. This is a universal rule of precaution. 
It may further be observed, that to birds confined in cages, 
no more must be given than they can eat during the day; 
otherwise they will accustom themselves to scatter their food 
out of the vessel, and eat the best first, leaving the worst for 
subsequent fare; and are consequently to-day well, and 
drooping to-morrow. 



BREEDINa. 

There is but little to be snid of the breeding of bn-ds in 
confinement, as, in the majonty of cases, it is difficult to accom- 
plish, excepting I • j.ch as can be thoroughly familiarised, 
like Canaries. Of breeding places, there are two kinds, one a 
large cage made of wire or wood, and the other the entire 
range of a room. Both should be dry, airy, and exposed in 
our northern climate to the warmth and light of the sun. It is 
chiefly requisite to supply birds that are to breed with a still, 
solitary, and spacious abode ; and it is preferable to give them 
an entire apartment in which evergreens are placed that have 
not lost their leaves. Above all things, it is desirable to make 
this abode as nearly resemble their natural dwelling place as 
possible, that they may be excited to pair. With every care, 
however, to render their breeding place like the natural one, 
it is difficult to supply them with the necessary materials for 
their nests. This deficiency should be supplied by nests arti- 
ficially formed of woven cotton, willow, straw, or turned wood, 
into which they will only have to convey appropriate linings; 
for this purpose, they must be supplied with the hair of animals 
and raw silk, cotton, wool, &c. 

Especial care must be taken to furnish the birds with 
requisite food, which partly contributes to fit old ones for 
A breeding, and which must also be suited to the varying 

^m -^M 



&B>- 



INTFlODUCTION. 



15 



ages of the reared young. In this particular, I shall mention 
what must be done, in the articles relating to the diiferent 
species described in the subsequent part of this work. 




JRKEDINO rA(;E. 






W 16 INTRODUCTION. 



TIME FOR REMOVING WILD BIRDS FROM THE NEST. 

It may be necessary that I should give some general direc- 
tions about the time at which it is desirable to remove young 
wild birds, intended to be reared, from the nest. This is when 
the tail quills shoot forth, and when all the feathers begin to 
expand, and before the birds can yet completely open their 
eyes. If they are removed earlier, their stomachs are too weak 
to endure the food of the aviary, and if it take place later, it is 
usually extremely difficult to induce them to open their beaks 
to receive food with which they are unacquainted. But there 
are species of birds which can at all times be easily fed and 
tamed. As a general rule, all seed-eating birds may be 
ta med, both adult and young. 



DISEASES OF TAME BIRCS. 

.Like all tame' aJiimals, birds that are kept in confinement, 
are -^fejjf posed to moi"^ maladies than those which live at large;* 
and -Gs^gfecially as tht?T ^-^e frequently so closely confined in 
cao-es that|t,hey have scarcely room to iTwve. These maladies, 
howeve^;, jii-e (Considerably i.t^creased by their having all kinds 
of deiioacies, ;^ pastry, sugsr? &c., given them., which spoil 
their stoinachs ,an|[ usually iprodac^ a slow consunrption. 

The following arelhe chief malavdies which affect birds, and 
their rem.edies, as Mf. down by Dr. Bechstein, the efficiency 
of which he proved uponfeis own. Indeed^ the variety of birds, 
as well as the variety, of l^heir food, requires also a difference 
of treatment in their maladies 5 and in speaking of each species, 
I shall have occasion to notice 5iow their peculiar diseases may 
be treated, when the general remedies are not suitable to their 
nature. ^ 

* It has been ftfctjuently asserted that bii-ds ia ihf^ natvu-al state are never ill, but 
this is unfounded. 



INTRODrCTION. 



17 f 



Pip, or Thrush. — This is a catarrh, or cold, by which the 
nostrils are stopped up, and the membrane covering the tongue 
is hardened by inflammation. In large birds, it is common to 
remove this skin, taking it off from the b;ise to the tip ; but 
rough modes should not be used for doing it. A little borax, 
dissolved in water, may be applied to the tongue with a camel- 
hair pencil two or three times a-day until a healthy action is 
produced. By this means, this part can again perspire, the 
saliva necessary for digestion can flow, and the taste and appe- 
tite return. A mixture of fresh butter, pepper, and garlic, 
generally cures this catarrh. It is a good thing, also, for 
the birds to drink the pectoral infusion of speedwell 
(Veronica officinalis) ; and the nostrils may be opened by 
passing up a small feather dipped in oil. The ruffling of 
the head, the beak often open and yellow at its base, and 
the tongue dry, are the most decisive indications of this 
disease. 

Rheum. — The symptoms of this disease are frequent sneezing 
and shaking of the head. Some drops of pectoral elixir in the 
infusion of speedwell, which the sick birds must be made to 
take, appears to be the most efficacious remedy. 

When it is merely hoarseness, Dr. Handel, of Mentz, in 
France, gave to his birds for several days, as their only drink, 
a very dilute decoction of dry figs, sweetened with a little 
sugar, and afterwards purged them, for two days following, with 
the juice of carrots. 

Asthma. — This is a very common disease among house 
birds. Those attacked with it have their breath short, often 
open their beaks as if to gasp for more air, and, when agitated 
or frightened, keep them open for a long time. 

The cause of this disease may doubtless be found in the 
mode of life which the birds lead. Their food is generally 
too dry and heating, being principally hemp seed, which is 
very injurious, but liked by all ; and is the more hurtful, as it 
inclines them to cat too much. If to this, be added the un- 
changed air of the rooms, particularly those which have stoves 
instead of chimneys, and the great he;it which is kept up 



^p> ^ — =^p 

Y 18 INTRODUCTION. 

during winter, it is plain that there is much to injure the 
delicate lungs of the birds. 

A moist and refreshing regimen and some aperients, more or 
less often, according to the violence of the disease, appears the 
most appropriate remedy. A favorite linnet and goldfinch, 
mentioned by Dr. Bechstein, when attacked with very bad 
asthma, were relieved and preserved for several years by the 
following method : — 

The first thing was to leave off hemp seed entirely, confining 
them solely to rape seed ; but giving them at the same time an 
abundance of bread, soaked in pure water, and then pressed ; 
lettuce, endive, or water cresses, according to the season, twice 
a- week, giving them bread boiled in milk, about the size of a 
nutmeg. This is made by throwing a piece of the crumb of 
white bread, about the size of a nut, into a teacupful of milk, 
boiling it, and stirring it all the time with a wooden spoon till 
it is of the consistency of pap. It must be quite cold before it 
is given to the birds, and must always be made fresh, for if 
sour, it will prove injurious. 

This paste, which they are very fond of, purges them suffi- 
ciently, and sensibly relieves them. In very violent attacks, 
nothing but this paste ought to be given for two or three days 
following, and this will soon give the desired relief. 

When the disease is slight, or only begun, it is sufficient to 
give the bread and milk once in three or four days. When 
employed under similar circumstances, this treatment has 
cured several very valuable birds. It may not be useless 
here to renew the advice of always giving the birds an 
opportunity of bathing every day, by putting in their way 
a saucer, or any other small shallow bath, filled with 
water, which should never be too cold, and in winter always 
milkwarm. 

One thing which is very injurious to the lungs of birds, and 
which too often occurs, is the fright occasioned by tormenting 
them, or by seizing them too suddenly; for the poor little 
things often rupture a blood vessel in the breast while beating 
themselves about. A drop of blood in the beak is the sign, and 



INTRODUCTION. 19 

a speedy death is the general consequence. If this do not 
happen, the breathing is not the less difficult and painful; 
and recovery is rare, at least without the greatest care and 
attention. 

Birds that eat insects and worms, occasionally, by acci- 
dent, swallow some extraneous substance, which, sticking in 
their throat, stops their respiration and stifles them. The only 
remedy is to extract the foreign body, which requires much 
skill and dexterity. 

When asthma is brought on by eating seeds, which are too 
old, spoiled, or rancid. Dr. Handel recommends some drops of 
oxymel, (honey and vinegar boiled to a syrup,) to be swallowed 
for eight days following. But the best way is to change the 
seed, and be sure there is none but good seed in the feeding 
trough. 

Ateophy, or Wasting. — This is caused by giving unnatural 
food to the bird, which destroys the digestive power of its 
stomach. In this case, it disgorges its food, ruffles its feathers, 
and does not arrange them, and becomes thin very fast. The 
best thing is to make it swallow a common spider, which 
purges it, and put a rusty nail into its water, which strengthens 
the tone of the stomach, giving it at the same time its proper 
and natural food. Green food, such as lettuce, endive, chick- 
weed, and particularly water cresses, is the safest remedy. A 
very great appetite is a sign of this disease. A Siskin, men- 
tioned by Dr. Bechstein, that was dying of atrophy, had nothing 
but water cresses for three days following, and on the fourth 
he sung. 

Consumption. — This is usually the result of unnatural food, 
which interrupts the function of digestion, and it is recognised 
b}^ the bird inflating and distending itsslf The feathers are 
ruffled, and the flesh dwindles. ^ No better remedy, perhaps, 
can be found than to give such birds a common spider, which 
purges them, and to lay in their water a rusty nail, which 
strengthens the stomach. They must, at the same time, be fed 
with the best description of their appropriate food. In birds 
which will eat vegetables, and especially water cresses, this 



20 INTRODUCTION. 

will be found the surest remedy against consumption, or 
waste. Usually, birds suffering from this malady have a 
voracious appetite for green food. Dr. Bechstein fed a Siskin, 
which had already completely wasted, for three successive 
days, with nothing but water cresses, and on the fourth it re- 
commenced singing. 

CosTivENEss. — This disease may be discovered from the 
frequent unsuccessful endeavors of the bird to relieve itself 
Aperients will be of use. If a spider does not produce the 
desired effect, anoint the vent of the bird with the head of a 
pin steeped in linseed oil; this sort of clyster generally 
succeeds. Boiled bread and milk is also of great service. 

DiARRHCEA. — This is a disease to which birds that have been 
caught recently are very subject, before they are accustomed 
to their new food. Most of these die of it ; they continually 
void a white calcareous matter, which sticks to the feathers 
round the vent, and being very acrid causes inflammation in 
that part and in the intestines. Sometimes chalybeate water, 
(iron water,) and the oil clyster produce good effects; but it is 
better, if possible, to procure for the bird its most natural food. 
Some people pull out the feathers from the tail and vent, and 
then rub these parts with fresh butter, but this is a very 
painful and cruel operation. They also mix the yolk of an 
egg boiled very hard with their food, but this does not succeed 
very well. If there be any hope of curing this disease, it is by 
attacking it at the beginning, before inflammation is violent ; 
boiled bread and milk, a plenty of lettuce, or any other similar 
green refreshing food, generally effects a cure. 

In a case of chronic diarrhoea, which almost reduces the 
birds to skeletons. Dr. Handel, of France, prescribes chaly- 
beate water, mixed with a little milk for their drink, which, he 
says, is an easy and certain cure. 

Bloody Flux. — This is a disease with which some parrots 
are attacked. The best remedy is to make the birds drink a 
plenty of boiled milk, or even very fat broth ; for their intes- 
tines, which are very much irritated, require something sooth- 
ing to protect them from the acrid discharges, which, at the 



INTRODUCTION. 21 Sf 

same time, must by corrected be healing food. Birds in this 
state, generally do nothing but drink; therefore plenty of 
boiled milk should be given them, as it nourishes them, as well 
as acts medicinally, but should it appear to turn sour in the 
stomach, it must, at least for some time, be discontinued. 

Obstruction of the Rump Gland. — This gland, which is on 
tlic rump, and contains the oil employed for anointing the 
feathers, sometimes becomes hard and inflamed, and an abscess 
forms there. In this case, the bird often pierces it itself, or it 
may be softened by applying fresh butter without any salt ; 
be it is better to use an ointment made of white lead, litharge, 
wax, and olive oil, which may be had of any good chemist or 
apothecary. The general method is to pierce or cut the 
hardened gland, in order to let out the matter. 

The gland is known to be obstructed when the feathers, 
which surround it, are ruffled, the bird never ceasing to peck 
them, and instead of being yellow it becomes brown. Dr. 
Bechstein says, this disease is very rare among wild birds, for, 
being exposed to damp, and bathing often, they make more 
use of the liquor in the gland, consequently, it does not accu- 
mulate sufficiently to become corrupted, sour, or cancerous. 
This confirms the necessity of giving tliem the means of 
bathing as often as instinct would induce tlicin, as nothing 
can be more favorable to their health. 

Dr. Handel, after piercing the gland, recommends a little 
magnesia to be mixed with the bird's drink. 

Epjlepsy. — This is a disease with which house birds arc 
very often attacked. What has been found to be most useful 
in this case, is to plunge the sick birds every now and then 
into very cold water, letting them fall suddenly into it, and 
cutting their claws, or at least one or two, short enough for 
the blood to run. 

From bleeding giving so much relief, one would think that 
this disease is a kind of apoplexy, occasioned by want of 
exercise and too much food. Bullfinches and thrushes are 
more subject to it than any other birds, and bleeding always 
cures them, which has been done with great success in the fol 



22 INTRODUCTION. 

lowing manner, but much delicacy and skill are required, as 
there would be great danger of laming the bird : — A very small 
hole is made on the surface of the claw, with a lancet or very 
sharp penknife ; it is then plunged in lukewarm water, and if 
the operation be well done, the blood runs like a thread of red 
silk; when removed from the water, the bleeding stops; no 
bandage nor dressing is required. 

Tympany, or Bloating. — In this disorder, the skin on one 
part of the body, or even the whole body, rises and swells to 
so great a degree that it is stretched like a drum. It is gene- 
rally sufficient to pierce it with a pin, so as to let the air 
escape, and the bird will be cured. 

Disease in the Feet. — House birds are often subject to bad 
feet. From the second year, they become pale, and lose their 
freshness. They must be frequently cleaned, taking care to 
remove the skin ; the thick loose scales ought also to be taken 
off, but with all possible precaution. 

The gout occasions the feet to swell ; they are also so scaly 
and painful that the poor little bird cannot support itself with- 
out resting on the points of its wings. Dr. Handel prescribes a 
warm fomentation with a decoction of soap wort (Saponaria 
officinalis). If a foot should be bruised or broken, he advises 
that the diseased bird should be shut up in a very small cage, 
the bottom of which is very smooth and even, without any 
perches, or anything which would tempt it to hop, and put 
in a very quiet and solitary place, out of the way of anything 
which might produce agitation. In this manner, the bird will 
cure itself in a little time, without any bandage or plaster of 
any J^ind. 

Dr. Bechstein was of the opinion that the principal cause of 
bad feet is want of bathing. The scales, contracting from 
dryness, occasion great pain ; in order to remove them with 
ease, and without danger, the feet must be softened in luke- 
warm water. The following method has been used with a 
bullfinch with success : — Its cage was made with a movable 
tin bottom, which, being half or three quarters of an inch deep, 
could hold water, that was put in tepid, to bathe the bird; 



INTRODUCTION. 23 

the perches were then removed, so that the bird was obliged 
to remain in the water, where it was left for half an hour, 
sometimes throwing it hemp seed to amuse it. After repeating 
the bath once or twice, the bird became very fond of it; and it 
was remarked that its feet became, if we may say so, quite 
young again. The scales being sufficiently softened, the 
middle of each was cut lengthwise without reaching the flesh ; 
this made the sides easily fall off. It is better to remove only 
two scales a-day, that the bird may not be wearied. By con- 
tinuing the bath three times a- week, the feet become healthy 
and supple, and the bird is easy. 

Sore Eyes. — The juice of red beet for drink, and also as a 
liniment, greatly relieves this disorder. Dr. Handel, of Mentz, 
recommends washing the eyes, when disposed to blindness, 
with an infusion of the root of white hellebore. 

Tumors and Ulcers. — As to the tumors and ulcers which 
come on the heads of the birds, Dr. Handel touches them with 
a middling-sized red-hot knitting needle. This makes the 
watery humor run out, and the wound afterwards dries and 
heals. To soften the pain, a little liquid black soap is used. If, 
from the softness of the tumor, matter seems to have formed, it 
should be rubbed with fresh butter until it is come to a head ; 
it may then be emptied, and opened by a few drops of essence 
of myrrh. During all this time, the bird must have nothing 
but beet juice to drink. 

Ulcers in the palate and throat may be cured by making the 
bird drink the milk of almonds for several days, at the same 
time lightly touching the ulcers several times a-day with a 
feather dipped in a mixture of honey and borax. 

Moulting. — This occurrence, though natural, is generally 
accompanied with disease, during which the birds ought to be 
taken great care of Their food should be changed, but with- 
out giving any heating delicacies, which are very injurious. 

It has been observed that birds always moult at the time 
when their food is most abundant ; the forest birds may then 
be seen approaching fields and cultivated places, where, having 
i plenty of insects and seeds, they cannot suffer from want; 

mm -^S 



24 INTRODUCTION. 

indeed, the loss of their feathers prevents their taking long 
flights, and the reproduction of them occasions a loss of flesh 
which must be repaired. An abundance of food is therefore 
necessary, and, following this rule, during moulting, some 
additional food must be given to house birds, appropriate to 
the different species — millet or Canary seed, a little hemp seed, 
white bread soaked in water, and lettuce, or endive, to those 
which feed on seeds; with a few more worms and ants' 
eggs to those that eat insects; all should have bread soaked in 
boiled milk, warmth, and baths. Nothing has succeeded better 
than this regimen. 

VERTiao, OR Giddiness. — This, without being properly a dis- 
ease, is rather common, and is occasioned by the trick which 
the birds of the first class have, of turning their head and neck 
so far round that they fall off their perch. They may be 
easily cured of this trick by throwing a covering over the top 
of the cage, which prevents their seeing anything above them, 
for it is with looking up that this giddiness comes on. 

Pairing Fever. — A disease which may be called the " pairing 
fever" must not be forgotten here. House birds are usually 
attacked with it in the spring, or at the time when the inclina- 
tion to pair is greatest. They cease to sing, become sorrowful 
and thin, ruffle their feathers, and die. This fever generally 
first seizes those which are confined in cages; it appears to 
arise from their mode of life, which is too uniform and wearying. 
They may be cured merely by placing them in the window, 
where they are soon so much refreshed that they forget their 
grief, their desire for liberty, or for pairing, and resume their 
liveliness and song. 

It has been observed that a ii.ngle female in the room is 
sufficient to cause this disease to all the males of the same 
family, though of diflbrent species. Removing the female wfll 
cure them directly. The males and females, at this season, 
must be separated, so that they cannot see nor hear one another. 
This, perhaps, is the reason that a male, when put in the 
window, is soon cured. 

Parasitic Vermin. — If birds arc sometimes restless, especially 



INTRODUCTION, 25 

of a night, and if they are observed to be frequently feeling 
with their beaks about the abdomen, back, or wings, they must 
be examined to see if no small yellow insects, (lice or mites,) 
may be discovered upon the body, or between the feathers. 
If this be the case, they must be sprinkled by means of a small 
syringe with water, in which quicksilver has been steeped, or 
with a much diluted infusion of tobacco, for several suc- 
cessive days, whereby these vermin are destroyed or chased 
away. Another mode of getting rid of the lice is to bathe the 
birds frequently, and to give them, daily, fresh or dry sand, 
and to be very particular in keeping them exceedingly clean. 

Unnatural Fatness. — If it be found that tlie birds become 
unnaturally fat, which is often the case, especially during 
autumn, in some species of warblers, their too nutritious food 
must be changed and Swedish turnips, (ruta-bagas,) be mixed 
in it, and dry ants' eggs put into their drink, which much 
checks their corpulency. 




Q.^>- _— <$ga 




THE CANARY BIRD. 



Bynonynien,. 

Wringilla canarin^ Or Oknithologists. 

Serin de Canarie, Of the French. 

Canarienvogel, Of the Germans. 

^ . ) Of the Spaniards 

oanaiio, ,,.... ^ ^^.j, Portug-uese. 

Canarino, Of the Italians. 

r^ IT A n„.,„... < Of the British and 

Caiiaiy Bird, Cauaiy, ^ Anglo-Americans. 



iHE Canary bird, from its beautiful plumage, elegant 
shape, singular capacity, and attractive familiarity, as 
*^^/' well as from the charms and melodies with which it 
enlivens our rooms, has always been agreeable to the fancier, 
and may, emphatically be called the real " cage bird." Some 
of them we find melancholy, others cheerful ; some angry, 
others peaceful ; some intelligent, others dull ; some indus- 
trious, others idle ; some greedy, others frugal. But they have 
chiefly n-^ade themselves beloved by their animated, powerful, 
and varied song, which lasts almost throughout the whole 
year, and with some even during the time of moulting. 



m 



m^ ■ ^^ 

Y THE CANARY BIRD. 27 "^ 

These birds are also distinguished by their correctness of 
ear, the remarkable skill they possess of imitating all tones, 
and their excellent memory. Not only do they imitate the 
notes of other birds, which they greatly improve by mixing 
them with their own, but they will even learn to utter short 
words with some degree of correctness. In their wild and 
undomesticated state, their song is unvaried, as with most other 
birds, less melodious, of fewer notes, and uttered at longer 
intervals than with us ; at least, I found them so, as far as my 
observation extended, when a resident of the Canary Isles. 



OEIGIN AND HISTORY. 

Those birds, from which are descended the Canaries now 
kept and reared throughout the whole of Europe, and even in 
Russia and Siberia, as well as in various parts of North and 
South America, in an unadulterated state, are natives of the 
Canary Islands, where they breed in pleasant valleys, and on 
the delightful banks of small rills, or streams. They were 
known in Europe as long ago as the beginning of the sixteenth 
century, as we are told, concerning their arrival, that, " A ship, 
which, in addition to other merchandize, had a multitude of 
Canaries on board, that were consigned to Leghorn, was 
wrecked on the coast of Italy, and the birds, thereby obtaining 
their liberty, flew to the nearest land." This happened to be 
Elba, where they found so propitious a climate, that they multi- 
plied without the intervention of man, and probably would 
have naturalised themselves, had not the wish to possess them 
been so great as to occasion them to be hunted after until they 
were entirely extirpated. In Italy, therefore, we find the first 
tame Canaries, where they are still raised in great numbers. 
At first, their rearing in Europe was attended with con- 
siderable difficulty, partly because the mode of treating 
these delicate strangers was not sufficiently understood, but 
principally because males, chiefly, and not females, were 
introduced. 



28 



THE CANARY BIRD. 



DESCRIPTION. 



9 



The Canary bird is five inches in length, of which the tail 
comprises two inches and a quarter; the beak is five lines 
long, stout, sharply pointed, and whitish; the legs are fiesh- 




CANARIE3 AKD NEST. 



colored, and eight lines high. The female is scarcely to be 

distinguished from the male, but the latter has generally deeper 

and brighter colors ; the head is rather thicker ; the body, in 

1 general, more slender throughout; and the temples and the A 

m^ ______ — ^ 



W THE CANARY BIKD. 29 

space around the eyes, are always of a brighter yellow than 
the rest of the body. 

The original grey color of this bird, which merges into green 
beneath, has, by means of domestication, climate, and inter- 
mixture with other birds, become so multifarious, that Canaries 
may now be met with of almost every hue ; but grey, yellow, 
white, blackish and reddish-brown, are the prevailing colors, 
which are individually seen in every degree of shade, or com- 
bination, and thus present innumerable differences. Those 
which are of a blackish-grey, or greyish-brown, above, with 
greenish-yellow beneath, like a greenfinch, are the most com- 
mon, generally the strongest, and approach the most closely 
to the original color of their primogenitors. The yellow and 
white ones have usually red eyes, but are more delicate. The 
chestnut-colored are the most rare, and in strength and length 
of life are intermediate. The colors of most Canaries consist 
of a mixture of these, and that bird is' the most prized the more 
regularly it exhibits the combination of these various shades. 
That which is most generally admired, at present, is one with 
yellow, or white, upon the body, and of a dun-yellow color on 
the wings, head, and tail. Next in degree of beauty, is that 
which is of a golden yellow, with a black, blue, or blackish- 
grey head, and similar wings and tail. There are also blackish 
or grey ones, with yellow heads, or with a ring about the neck, 
white, with brown and black markings, ashy-grey, almost 
black, with a yellew breast, and white head and tail, all of 
which have a prominent value. Others, which are irregularly 
marked, and are variegated, or mottled, are less esteemed. 



HYBRIDITY. 

As remarked in a preceding page, the original color of the 
Canary bird is grey, which merges into green beneath, almost 
resembling the colors of the linnet ; but by means of domes- 
tication, climate, and intermixture with other b'rds, as the 
citril finch and serin, of Italy, and with the Siskin and linnet, 



m'm — — ^g 

^ 30 THE CANARY BIRD. 

of Germany, they have become so multifarious, that they are 
to be met with of ahuost every color and hue. Furthermore, 
in Europe, there are societies for promoting the breeds, and 
premiums are awarded to competitors who come nearest to the 
model of perfection given out for competition. The hybrids 
produced by crossing the Canary with other birds, most in 
favor, may be described as follows : — 

1. The Cross between the Canary and Goldfinch. — The colors 
of this variety consist of a very beautiful intermixture of those 
of both parents. One which has been highly prized, was 
marked in the middle of the crest with ashy-grey ; the rest of 
the head, and the upper part of the neck, was of a silvery 
white, with a bright orange-red ring round the base of the 
beak, and another ring of snowy whiteness round the neck ; 
the back was greyish-brown, striped with black ; the rump, 
white ; the under part of the body, snow-white ; the vent, the 
wings, and the first pinion feathers, were also white ; the rest, 
as well as the coverts, black, edged with yellow, and with a 
golden-yellow spot in the centre of the wings; the tail was 
white, with a black lateral spot ; the beak and feet, white, the 
former with a black tip. The mother of this fine bird was 
white, with a greenish crest. In general, the handsomest 
varieties are produced when yellow or white Canaries are 
pared with goldfinches. 

2. The C7'oss between the Canary and the Siskin. — This is per- 
fectly like the female Siskin, if the male bird is a green 
Canary, but if the latter be white or yellow, it becomes 
rather brighter and always retains the color and figure of the 
Siskin. 

3. The Cross between the Canary and the Serin is distinguished 
only by its smaller size, and by its short, thick, beak, from the 
common grey or green Canary, unless produced by a white or 
yellow hen. 

The Cross between the Canary and the Linnet. — When the 
offspring of a grey Canary, its only difference is a slightly 
longer tail ; but it is variegated or speckled when the Canary 
is yellow or white. 

Mm^ ^m 



THE CANARY BIRD. 31 



PAIBING- AND LAYING-, 

In order to obtain birds of a brilliant plumage, it is requisite 
to pair together such as are of similar markings, and the colors 
of which are regular and distinct. This is best effected in 
separate breeding cages. Variegated and checkered ones are 
often produced in aviaries where the birds pair together indis- 
criminately. Those of a greenish and brownish color, paired 
with bright-yellow ones, often produce beautiful dusky-white, 
or other favorite colors. A requisite precaution to be ob- 
served is, that a tufted and a smooth-headed bird should be 
paired together; for, if two crested ones be placed with 
one another, a part of the head of their progeny will be bald, 
or otherwise deformed. 

Some males are alwaj^s dejected, sing but little, are indiffer- 
ent to their mates, and consequently unfit for breeding; others 
are too choleric, incessantly snap at, and chase about, the 
females, and indeed, often kill them and their young ; others, 
again, are too ardent, persecute the fem.ale while she is sitting, 
tear the nest, throw out the eggs, or continnally excite her to 
pair, until she quits her eggs or neglects her young ; others, in 
breeding time, sing so incessantly, and so powerfully, that 
they rupture the small vessels of the lungs, and suddenly drop 
dead in the midst of their song. 

The females have also their defects. Some merely lay, and 
immediately quit their eggs as soon as laid ; others feed their 
young badly, bite them, or pluck out their feathers; others lay 
with much exertion and labor, and when they should hatch 
become sickly, or lay again after a long interval- 

Those birds which are to be paired for the first time, should 
be placed together in a small cage or an open room for a 
week or ten days, to be wonted to one another. If two females 
are to be paired with one male, they must previously be ac- 
customed to each other's society by being also kept together 
in a small cage; and the breeding cage should have two 
compartments, separated by a board, in which a sliding door 






32 



THE CANARY BIRD. 



has been made. In one compartment, a lively male may be 
enclosed with a female. About the cage or room, there should 
be placed some flax, soft hay, wool, hog's bristles, cow's hair, 
moss, pieces of thread, cut about a finger's length, paper, 
shavings, or other dry materials for building the nest, which 
usually occupies three days. When one female has laid eggs, 
the sliding door may be moved and the male admitted to the 
other female ; and when they have both laid, this door may be 




CANARY BREKDINQ CAGE. 



kept open. The male will visit both females alternately, when 
they will not trouble themselves about each other ; otherwise, 
v/ithout this precaution, jealousy would incite them to destroy 
each other's nests and* throw out the eggs. In a room or 
aviary, a male has sometimes two and even three females 
placed with him ; with one of these, he will more especially 
pair. But when this favorite is about to sit, the others will 
receive a share of his attentions, and from the latter usually 
the greatest number and the best birds are reared. 



THE CANAKY BIRD. 33 

The female, as with the majority of birds, is usually the 
architect, the male only selecting the place and procuring 
materials, the coarser of which is used for the external struc- 
ture, and the finer for lining the inside of the nest. The 
females will sometimes show indications of their instinct by 
building nests after their own fashion, generally being irregu- 
lar in figure, and not nicely finished, at least externally. It is 
in the nest itself, where the pairing takes place, the female 
attracting the male by a continuous piping note, repeated more 
quickly the nearer she is to laying. An interval of seven or 
eight days elapses between the first pairing and laying the 
first egg. Every day afterwards, nearly at the same hour, an 
egg is laid, the number varying from two to six. 



BREEDING-, INCUBATION, ETC. 

The month of March is the best time to place the birds in 
the breeding cage. Of these, there are two kinds, either a 
large one, made of wire, as is shown at page 15, in which it is 
better to place a male, and one female, than one male and 
two females together, like the one shown in the preceding page ; 
or the birds may have range of an entire room. All breeding 
places must be exposed to the warmth and light of the sun, 
and be hung about with nests made of turned wood, tin, or 
little wicker baskets, two for each pair. 

When a room is allotted to the purpose, it ought to contain 
shrubs for the birds to perch or build upon, with a plenty of 
fresh water to drink and bathe in, that being indispensable for 
all birds. The light should be admitted into the east or south- 
east, for the benefit of the morning sun, and the windows 
should have wire cloth over them, that the birds may enjoy the 
fresh air. The floor of the apartment should be strewed with 
clean gravel or sand, on which should be thrown celery or 
chickweed; but when breeding, they should have nothing 
except hard-chopped eggs, dried roll, cake without salt, and 
^ once in two or three days a few poppy seeds. ' ^ 

1^5^ !! -.ial 



34 THE CANARY EIRD. 

When the birds are good breeders, it is needless to attempt 
to assist nature by artificial means ; and it is best to leave the 
them entirely to themselves. In other cases, it is customary to 
remove the first egg, and replace it by an ivory one, placing it 
in a box filled with clean, dry sand, and so taking away all 
the eggs till the last one is laid ; all are then returned to the 
nest to be hatched. They often lay three or four times a-year, 
from February to September, and some are so assiduous in 
pairing, that even moulting does not interrupt them. The 
eggs are of a sea-green color, marked on one end with reddish- 
brown or violet spots or stripes. The period of incubation 
lasts thirteen days. 

If, from the sickliness of the male, or of the female, any of 
the eggs are unimpregnated, they must be taken out of the 
nest when the hen has sat for a week or ten days, held lightly 
between the fingers in the sunshine, or in a bright light ; the 
fecundated ones will then appear filled with veins, while the 
bad ones will be quite clear, or already addled, the latter of 
which must be thrown away. The male rarely relieves the 
female in hatching, nor does she very willingly permit it. 
Immediately after feeding, she returns to the eggs, and should 
the male perchance be on the nest at the time, if he should not 
directly quit, he would speedily be compelled to do so by 
pecks and blows. The young are occasionally killed in the 
egg, in consequence of loud and near noises, such as heavy 
thunder, the discharge of fire arms, violently slamming the 
door, or any other very loud knocking. 



FEEDING- AND REARING- THE YOUNG. 

As soon as the young are hatched, the old birds should be 
supplied with one fourth of a hard-boiled egg, minced very 
fine, with some dried roll, or bread, containing no salt, 
steeped in water, the latter of which should be squeezed 
or pressed out again. In another vessel, some boiled rape 

seed should* be placed, which has been rewashed in fresh A 

IS 

p . . ~ -^0 



THE CANARY BIRD. 35 

water, co take away the acidity. Some use crackers instead of 
bread, but this is unnecessary. It is merely requisite to see 
that this soft food does not become sour, otherwise it will kill 
the young, and the cause remain unsuspected. Some persons 
merely give them their usual food, intermixing it with some 
finely-powdered crackers and hard-boiled eggs, but it has been 
found by experience, that the diet prescribed above is more 
efficacious, especially until the young are fledged. 

It is now that the male takes the chief part in rearing the 
young; and upon him devolves the duty of feeding them, in 
order to allow the female to recover from the exhaustion she 
has received from incubation. 

If it is necessary to feed the young by hand, grated roll or 
pulverised dry crackers is taken, riiixed with pounded rape 
seed, and kept in a box. As often as it is necessary to feed 
them, a little of it is moistened with some of the yolk of an 
egg and water, and given to them from a quill pen. This 
must be done ten or twelve times a-day ; about four penfuls is 
the quantity necessary for each meal. 

Up to the twelfth day, the young remain almost naked, and 
require to be covered by the female ; but after the thirteenth, 
they will feed themselves. In cold, dry years, however, it 
sometimes happens that the birds get scarcely any plumage at 
all. When they are a month old, they may be removed from 
the breeding cage. With the usual food of the old birds, they 
must be fed for some time upon the kinds above named ; for, 
the sudden removal from soft food often occasions death, espe- 
cially in moulting. It is asserted, and not without reason, that 
those Canaries which are reared in an arbor, where they have 
space to fly about within an enclosure of wire, are longer-lived 
and stronger than those which are reared in a chamber or a 
confined cage. 

It is a curious fact, perhaps not known to every one, that, when 
there are two females with one male in a cage, and one dies, 
i the other, if she has not already sat, will hatch the eggs laid by 
I her co-mate, and rear the young as her own; and, during this 
i foster-mother care, cautiously avoid the caresses of the male ! A 



36 THE CAiS^ARY BIRD. 



TO TEACH A YOUNG- CANARY TO SING. 

When the young birds can eat alone, say at the age of 
thirteen or fourteen days, and often before quitting the nest, 
the males commence warbling, and the females, also, but less 
connectedly and from this, the sexes may be distinguished. 
To teach a young Canary to sing, he must now be separated 
from his comrades, as well as from other birds, and placed in 
a small wire cage, which, at the commencement, must be 
covered with linen, and subsequently, by degrees, with thicker 
woollen cloth, when a short air, or other musical piece, must 
be whistled to him, or a flute, or a small organ may be used. 
This lesson should be repeated five or six times a-day, espe- 
cially mornings and evenings, and in five or six months, he 
will be able to acquire the air, according to the power of his 
memory. 



FOOD AND MANAGEMENT OF ADUXT BIRDS. 

Except during the breeding season, the males may be kept 
in cages either bell-shaped or like that denoted in the adjoin- 
ing cut. These may be made of wire or rattan, and should be 
at least a foot high and eight inches in diameter, with one or 
more transverse perches. 

The female is allowed either to have freedom in the room 
with her wings clipped, or is placed in a large breeding cage, 
possessing sufficient space to keep her limbs in constant 
exercise, and preserve them in health and strength. 

In the bell-shaped, or smaller cages, wherein it must be 
understood only one male should be put, both the eating and 
drinking vessels must be placed on the outside, at the ex- 
tremities of the lower perch. These should be surrounded by 
a cap of tin, so that the bird may not easily scatter its food. 
Cleanliness will often prevent these delicate songsters from 
A suffering many disorders, and it is very desirable that the 

kd^ ^ ■ — — cmm 



--^m 



THE CANARY BIRD. 



37 f 



floor of the cage should be made movable, that it may be 
more easily cleansed and strewed witii coarse sand. 

Being naturally inhabitants of a warm climate, and ren- 
dered delicate by constant residence in rooms, and so, in a 
manner habituated to a temperature similar to that of their 
own country, great care is necessary in winter, in order that 
the same or a similar temperature may be preserved, avoiding 
the exposure to cold air, which, however, refreshes in summer, 




CANARY BIRD CAGE. 



§ 
t®^ 



cannot be otherwise than prejudicial to them, causing sickness 
and even death. To keep these birds in a healthy and happy 
frame, it is very important to observe that, in summer, they 
be frequently hung in a cage in brilliant daylight, and if 
possible, placed in the warm sunshine, which, especially When 
bathing, is very agreeable to them. 

The most important consideration in the management of 
the male is his food. The more simple and true to nature ^ 
— __ ^ ^1 



38 THE CANARY BIRD. ^ 

this is, the better does it agree with him ; whereas, when too 
artificially compounded, it renders him sickly and weak. The 
best food is the " summer rape seed," which is sown in 
spring. This is distingnished from the "winter rape seed," 
which is sown in autumn, by being larger and of a darker hue. 
On this diet, these birds thrive very well, but it should be 
occasionally intermixed with some crushed hemp seed and 
Canary seed, for the sake of flavoring it ; and this more espe- 
cially in the spring, when they are intended for breeding. As 
a treat, we may occasionally give them a mixture of summer 
cabbage seed, whole oats or oatmeal, with millet, or some 
Canary seed. Here, as in most other cases, we should strive 
to imitate nature. 

The hen Canaries may likewise be supplied with the same 
kind of food as the males ; but in winter, they are content with 
bread, containing no salt, or merely barley grots, moistened in 
milk, if given to them fresh every day, without being sour. 
Besides, both males and females may be given, in summer, 
some green lettuce, cabbage, groundsel, and water cresses, 
which must be previously washed and cleansed from anything 
prejudicial; and in winter, they may be fed with pieces of 
sweet apples. They require fresh water daily, both for 
drinking and bathing; and at moulting time, a rusty nail 
should be occasionally placed in their drinking vessel, as this 
tends to streno-then the stomach. 



TO TEACH THE ADULT BIRDS TO FLY. 

Canaries may be taught to fly ; but the trouble and risk are 
so great that it is hardly worth the time and care necessary to 
teach them. The male is first allowed its liberty in a place 
where there are trees, and the female is hung at a window, 
near-r by, which speedily attracts him back to the cage in case 
of danger or fatigue. This teaching must be continued for 
five or six days, but no handling nor violent attempts to catch 
A them should be used. 

mm — — — ™ — - — -^ ^ 



mm 

Y THE CANARY BIRD. 39 



DISEASES. 

The Canary bird, in a state of captivity, seldom enjoying the 
open air and having but little exercise, is subject to most of 
the maladies peculiar to the domestic, feathered race. The 
diseases to which it is particularly liable, may be described 
and treated as follows : — 

1. Rupture. — This is a common malady, especially in young 
birds, and is a kind of indigestion which causes inflammation 
of the intestines. The symptoms of this disease are a lean, 
transparent, blown-up body, full of small red veins, and in 
which all the intestines seem to have fallen to the lower part 
of the body, where they become entangled and turned black. 
Too much nutritious food is the cause of this evil. All reme- 
dies appear to have been ineffectual in this malady, but 
assistance is sometimes obtained from a spare and simple 
diet. 

2. The Yellow Gall in the Head and Eyes may be cured by 
refreshing food ; but if there be a tubercle of the size of a 
hemp seed about the head or eyes, it must be cut off, and the 
wound anointed with fresh butter. 

3. Sweating. — Some females, whilst hatching, have a sweat- 
ing sickness, which is injurious to the blood, and may be 
detected by the feathers of the lower part of the body being 
quite wet. The body of the bird should be washed with brine, 
and afterwards with rain or spring water to free the feathers 
of salt, and then rapidly dried by the sun or fire. This may 
be repeated once or twice a-day. This sickness, however, is 
not so prejudicial to the bird as is generally supposed. 

4. Sneezing. — This is occasioned by a stoppage of the nos- 
trils, and may be removed by a very small feather dipped in 
olive oil being passed through them. 

5. Loss of Voice. — If the male, after moulting, lose his voice, 
he must have diet similar to that given to young birds ; that is, 
some thoroughly-baked, stale roll, dipped in boiled milk or 
water until completely saturated ; then press out the milk and 



40 THE CANARY BIRD. 

mix it with more or less, say a proportion of two thirds of 
coarse barley or wheat flour, freed from the husk or bran. 
Some persons give them a slice of pork or bacon to peck. 

6. Constipation is cured by giving them plenty of green food, 
such as celery, water cresses, chickweed, sallad, &c. 

7. Epilepsy is commonly brought on by too great a delicacy 
of treatment, and also by timidity, from alarm. Too great an 
abundance of rich food, and the want of proper exercise, 
whereby much and thick blood is produced, are the chief 
causes of this disease. The birds ought to be kept free from 
alarm, either by catching or tormenting them in any way. 
When suffering under this complaint, if they are hot, it is 
recommended to dip them frequently into cold ice water, and 
then pair their nails so closely as to start blood. A few drops 
of olive oil, also, given internally have proved serviceable. 

8. Overgrown Claws or Beaks require to be pared with sharp 
scissors. Care must be taken, however, not to cut the nails 
too close, as the birds would be liable to lose so much blood 
as to become lame. The end of the " red ray," or vein, both in 
the beak and claws, when held up to the light, shows exactly 
how far they may be cut. During the hatching period, also, 
the nails of the female sometimes must be cut, in order that 
they may not be caught by them when in the nest. 

9. Lice may be avoided by frequent bathing, cleanliness in 
the cage, and dry sand mixed with anise seed and scattered on 
the floor. 



THE GOLDFINCH. 



Synonymes. 



Fringilla carduelis^ 

Chai'donneret, 

Distelfink, Stieglitz, 

Jilguero, 

Pintacilgo, 

Calderino, 

Goldfinch, Thistle Finch, 



Of Ornithologists. 
Of the French. 
Of the Germans. 
Of the Spaniards. 

Of the PoRTUGUESfc. 

Of the Italians. 
< Of the British and 
\ Anglo-Americans. 




F all cage birds, this is one of the most delightful, 
alike from the beauty of its plumage and the excel- 
lence of its song, its proved docility, and remarkable 
animation, whose body is almost always in incessant motion — 
now moving to the right and now to the left. Its song is 
shrill, agreeable, and heard during all seasons, excepting only 
at the period of moulting. It contains, besides many warbling 
and twittering notes, on which it dwells more or less, and the 
oftener the syllable jink is repeated the more it is admired. 
Some utter these notes only once or twice in their song, and 
others four or five times in succession. They also repeat airs, 
and the songs of other birds, but with difficulty ; for they have 
not the same capacity as linnets and Canaries for these 
acquisitions. 

Their docility is extraordinary, for they will even learn to 
fire small cannons and imitate death. They may also be 
taught to draw up their food and water in a little bucket. 



42 THE GOLDFINCH. 

Mr. Syme, in his excellent treatise on British Song Birds, 
gives the following amusing particulars respecting this spe- 
cies : — •" The goldfinch is easily tamed and easily taught, and 
its capability of learning the notes of other birds is well 
known ; but the tricks it may be taught to perform are truly 
astonishing. A few years ago, the Sieur Roman exhibited his 
birds, which were goldfinches, linnets, and Canaries. One- 
appeared dead, and was held up by the tail or claws without 
exhibiting any signs of life ; a second stood on its head with its 
claws in the air ; a third imitated a Dutch milkmaid going to 
market with pails on its shoulders; a fourth mimicked a 
Venetian girl looking out at a window ; a fifth appeared as a 
soldier, and mounted guard as a sentinel ; and the sixth acted 
as cannoneer, with a cap on its head, a firelock on its 
shoulder, and a match in its claws, and discharged a small 
cannon. The same bird also acted as if it had been 
wounded. It was wheeled in a barrow, to convey it, as it 
were, to the hospital, after which it flew away before the 
company. The seventh turned a kind of windmill ; and the 
last bird stood in the midst of some fireworks, which were 
discharged all round it, and this without exhibiting the least 
symptom of fear." 

The Goldfinch is very generally distributed throughout 
Europe, occurring in most of the wooded and cultivated dis- 
tricts. Its song commences about the end of March, and con- 
tinues till July or August. It may often be found in company 
with linnets, whose flight it somewhat resembles. 



DESCRIPTION. 

The goldfinch is five inches and three quarters long, of which 
the tail occupies two inches. The beak is five lines long, 
sharply pointed, and very slightly bent, compressed at the 
sides, whitish, with a horn-colored tip; the slender feet are 
brownish, and six lines high ; the front of the head is of a 
bright scarlet red ; a broad margin of a similar color surrounds 

Wm> — — — — -mm 



THE GOLDFINCH. 43 

the base of the beak; the chin and reins, black; the vertex 
black, terminatirig in a stripe, which passes the back of the 
head, and descends the neck on each side ; on the top of the 
neck, there is a white spot ; the cheeks and front of the neck, 
white ; the back of the neck and back are of a beautiful 
brown ; the rump whitish, with a brownish tinge ; the longer 
feathers are black ; both sides of the breast and the flanks of a 
bright-bi'own ; the middle of the breast, the belly, and the 
vent, whitish, many of the feathers having a brownish tinge ; 
the thighs, greyish; the pinion feathers, velvet-black, with 
whitish tips, which are smallest in old birds, and are sometimes 
wanting in the first two feathers; the middle of the external 




THE GOLDFINCH. 



web with a golden-colored stripe an inch long, which, in con- 
junction with the golden yellow tips of the hinder large coverts, 
forms a beautiful spot ; the coverts otherwise black ; the tail 
slightly forked and black; the two, and sometimes the first 
three pinion feathers having a white spot in the centre of the 
inner web ; the rest with white tips ; sometimes also the third 
is likewise entirely black at the sides. 

The female is a little smaller, not so broadly and beautifully 
red about the beak : the chin brownish ; the cheeks intermixed 
with bright-brown ; the small coverts of the wings, brown, and 
the back of a deeper dark-brown. 

BREEDIWa. 

The female goldfinch rarely lays more than once a-year, 
(consequently these birds do not greatly multiply,) and then A 



44 THE GOLDFINCH. ^ 

from four to six eggs, which upon a pale sea-green ground are 
marked with pale-red spots and dots, and deep-red stripes. The 
young are fed from the crop. These, before they first moult, 
are grey upon the head. They can be reared upon poppy 
seeds and roll steeped in milk or water. They have greater 
facility in imitating the song of the Canary than that of any 
other bird ; and with this bird they will produce fertile hybrids. 
To effect this, a male goldfinch is placed with one or two hen 
Canaries, and they very readily pair, especially if the goldfinch 
has been reared from the nest. The birds which spring from 
this union are not only beautiful in color and plumage — often 
yellow, with the head, wings, and tail of the goldfinch — but 
they will be found to excel in the sweetness and variety of 
their song. If you are apprehensive that a pair of valuable 
Canaries will not thoroughly hatch their eggs, nor let their 
young ones die, remove them to the nest of a goldfinch ; they 
will not only hatch them, but will also feed the young, which, 
when nearly full fledged, may be placed in a cage until they 
can feed themselves, when no further trouble attends their 
rearing. 

The characteristics which mark the principal varieties of 
this species are as follows : — 

1. Goldfinch with a yellow breast. 

2. The White-headed Goldfinch. 

3. The Black-headed Goldfinch. 

4. The White Goldfiinch. 

5. The Black Goldfinch. 
The latter are either entirely black, which is caused by 

age or in being fed upon hemp seed, or they retain the yellow 
spots on the wings. Mr. Shelbach, of Cassel, in Germany 
reared a nest of goldfinches, which he kept entirely secluded 
from the light of the sun, covering the cage with cloth. 
These birds were of a jet-black, with yellow spots, but 
they changed color after moulting. Those goldfinches which 
become black before old age, usually resume their former 
color after moulting, but then they do not usually live much 
longer. 



THE GOLDFINCH. 45 W 



FOOD. 



The goldfinch feeds upr n various kinds of seeds, groundsel, 
succory, salad, cabbage, rape, linseed, Canary, thistle, and 
alder seeds, &c. In the cage, it must be fed upon poppy seed 
and hemp seed, the first being given as its usual food. If 
allowed to run freely about, it will accustom itself to the 
second description of universal food described at page 13. It 
may also have given to it all sorts of green things, such as 
salad, cabbage, lettuce, and water cresses. It eats voraciously, 
and therefore, when allowed to run about in the chamber, 
perches upon the trough, and chases away, with a threatening 
gesture, every bird that approaches ; whereas, it will feed with 
other birds that have any kind of resemblance to it, at least 
with respect to the character of their food, such as Canary 
birds, Siskins, &c. 



DISEASES. 

These birds are very subject to epilepsy. If they happen to 
have bad and swollen eyes, they should be anointed with fresh 
butter. Heaviness and greediness, occasioned by feeding too 
exclusively upon hemp seed, may be removed by giving them 
in lieu of it soaked salad and thistle seeds. It contributes 
much to their health, if occasionally supplied with the head of 
a thistle. 

In old age, they become blind, and lose the beautiful red 
and yellow colors of the head and wings. Although frequently 
subject to sickness, there are instances of their having lived to 
the age of sixteen and even twenty-four years. 



THE LINNET. 



Synonymes. 

Fringilla camiabma, Of Ornithologists. 

Liuot, Of the French. 

Hanfling, Lanning, Of the Germans. 

Pardillo, Of the Spaniards. 

PintaiToxo, Of the Portuguese 

Fanello, Of the Italians. 

Linnet, Brown Linnet, i 

Whin Linnet, Lintie, > Of the British. 

Greater Red Pole, ) 

Linnet, < Of the Anglo 

' I Americans. 



^^^^HE linnet, from its natural flnte-like voice, excels most 
/|^5 other song birds in its power of beautifully and 
s:::—^ purely imitating melodies and airs which are piped 
to it, and for this quality it is especially esteemed. It will 
also learn- the song of all the birds in the room or cage 
that it hears. Its natural song consists of many connected 
strophies, and is the more beautiful the oftener it utters some 
high-sounding notes, which are called its " crowing," from its 
resemblance to the crowing of a cock. It sings both summer 
and winter, excepting the time of moulting. 



DESCRIPTION. 

The length of this bird is more than five inches., of which the 
tail measures two inches and a half The beak, six lines long, 1 
is dusky-blue in summer, and in winter greyish-white, with the a 



m^ — — -<2ig 

f THE LINNET. 47 ^ 

point brown ; the iris dark-brown ; the feet, eight lines high, 
are black. There are some very striking varieties produced 
by the season and age in the plumage of the male, which are 
not observed in the female, and these have caused great con- 
fusion in works on birds. 

A male three years old or less, is distinguished in spring by 
the following colors, and by the name of "red pole:" — The 
forehead is blood-red, the rest of the head reddish ash-colored, 
the top rather spotted with black ; the cheek, sides of the neck, 
and the circle round the eyes, have a reddish- white tint ; the 
feathers of the back are chestnut, with the edges lighter ; the 
upper tail coverts are black, edged with reddish- white ; the 
throat and under part of the neck are yellowish-white, with 
some dashes of reddish-grey: the sides of the breast are 




THE LINNET. 



blood-red, edged with reddish- white ; the sides of the belly are 
pale rust-colored ; the rest of the under part of the body is 
reddish-white ; the greater wing coverts are black, bordered 
with reddish- white ; the others are rusty-brown with a lighter 
border. The quill feathers are black, tipped with white ; the 
first are edged with white nearly to the point ; the narrow 
beard forms a parallel white streak to the quill feathers ; the 
tail is black and forked ; the four outer feathers on both sides 
have a broad white border ; that of the two middle feathers is 
narrower, and reddish-white. 

After moulting, in autumn, little red is seen on the forehead, 
because the feathers become colored from the bottom to the top ; 
the breast has not yet acquired its red tint, for the white border 
is still too wide ; but when winter comes, its colors appear. 



48 THE LINNET. 

Males one year old have no red on the head, and more 
dashes of black ; the breast is pale-red, waved with pale and 
dark ; the under part of the feathers on the breast is only a 
bright, reddish-grey brown ; the edges of these feathers are of a 
reddish-white ; the back rust-color, having detached spots of 
dark-brown and reddish-white. These birds are known under 
the name of " grey linnets." 

After the second moulting, if the reddish-grey feathers are 
blown aside, blood-red specks may be discovered on the 
forehead, and the red of the breast is only hidden by the 
wide yellowish- white borders to the feathers; these are the 
" yellow linnets," or the " rock linnets," as they are called in 
Thuringia. 

Besides these three different varieties of plumage of the 
males, there are several clouded, produced by the seasons and 
old age ; for instance, the older they become, the redder the 
head is. Birds brought up in the house never acquire the fine 
red on the forehead and breast, but remain grey like the males 
of one year old ; on the other hand, old ones, red when brought 
into the house, lose their beautiful colors at the first moulting, 
and remaining grey like the young ones, are no more than 
grey linnets. 

This difference of color does not take place in the females, 
which are smaller than the males ; the upper part of the body 
is grey, streaked with dusky-brown and yellowish-white, on 
the rump, with greyish-brown and reddish-white ; these spots 
are moi'e numerous on the breast ; the wing coverts are a 
dusky-chestnut. The females are distinguished in the nest by 
the back being more grey than brown, and by the number of 
streaks on the breast, which resemble that of the lark ; bird 
fanciers leave these in the nest and take only the males. 

Linnets breed twice a-year, and lay each time from four to 
six bluish- white eggs, covered all over with flesh-colored 
and reddish-brown spots and stripes. The male birds may 
be recognised in the earlier stage of their growth by the 
white ring round the neck, and the white on the tail and 
wings. 



THE LINNET. 



HYBRIDITY. 



49 



It is common for a male linnet to pair with a hen Canary, 
and hybrids produced by this means are easily reared, and 
can scarcely be distinguished from other grey Canaries, either 
from their appearance or song. 




MNNET CAGE, 



rOOD AND MANAGEMENT, 



In confinement, linnets require nothing but summer cabbage 
seed,* which does not require to be soaked, as they are na- 
turally seed-eating birds, having a powerful crop and stomach, 
and can therefore better digest it. Hemp seed, they must not 
have at all. They must not be too v/ell fed in the cage ; for, 
taking little exercise, they would soon die from over-feeding. 

* Winter cabbage seed, which does not injai'e theaa at liberty, soon kills them in 
^a, confinement. 



<m 



50 THE LINNET. 

They like salt, and, contrary to the general rule, it is therefore 
well occasionally to intermix some with their food ; and this is an 
excellent preventive against various maladies. When linnets 
are allowed to run about, they readily feed with other birds on 
the universal paste. Some green food must occasionally be 
given them, as also sand and water, as they like to bathe and 
dust themselves. 

It is best to keep them in square cages, as they are less 
subject to giddiness in these than in round ones, and sing 
better. They are not often allowed to range the room, as 
they are very indolent, remaining immovable in the same 
place, and running the risk of being trodden upon ; but if a 
small tree or a roost be placed in a corner, they may be 
let out of the cage with safety, as they will remain perched 
there, only leaving it to eat or drink, and will sing all day 
long. 

diseases: 

The most common disorders of this species are consti- 
pation, atrophy, and epilepsy; but linnets in confinement 
will generally live from twelve to sixteen years. 



THE AMERICAN GOLDFINCH. 



Synonymes. 

Pringillatristis^ Of Ornithologists. 

Chardonneret jaune, Of the French. 

Amerikanischer Distelfiuk, Of the Germans. 

Jilguero americano, Of the Spaniards. 

Pintacilgo americano, Cf the Portuguese. 

Calderino americano, Of the Italians. 

Yellow Bird, American ) ( Of the British and 

Goldfinch, J I Anglo-Americans. 



I HIS very beautiful and familiar messenger of spring is 
known throughout this continent from the 49th parallel 
of north latitude to the savannas of Guiana and Suri- 
nam. As summer approaches, the males cast off their olive- 
colored winter suits, and appear in their temporary golden 
livery, with the front of the head, wings, and tail of a deep 
black, when they may be heard in concert, tuning their lively 
notes, several sitting on the same tree enjoying the exhilerating 
scene, basking and pluming themselves, and vying with each 
other in pouring forth their varied, soft, and cheerful song. 
When they sing all together, as they now do, it has a pleasing 
effect; their favorite note resembles the word hahee, or may he, 
the last syllable protracted and much higher than the first. 
They have also a note, which they utter when flying through 
the air, that sounds somewhat like the word 'physician^ pro- 
nounced very rapidly. But the most beautiful part of their 
song, is, when they raise and sink their voices in such a delight- 



Y 52 THE AMER^PA-N GOLDFINCH. 

ful cadence, that their music, at times, seems " to float on the 
distant breeze, scarcely louder than^ the hum of bees ;" it then | 
breaks out, as it were, into a crescendo, which rends the air like j 
the loud song of the Canary. I 

In confinement, the yellow bird soon becomes familiar and j 
reconciled, its song being nearly as animated and sonorous 
as its transatlantic congener. According to Mr. Audubon, it is ' 
extremely hardy, often remaining the whole winter in the 
Middle States, and when deprived of liberty, will live to a great 
age in a room or cage. " I have known two instances," says 
he, " in which a bird of this species had been confined for 
upwards of ten years. They were procured in the market of 
New York, when in mature plumage, and had been caught in 
trap cages. One of them having undergone the severe train- 
ing, more frequently inflicted in Europe than America, and 
known in France by the name of galerien, would draw water 
for its drink from a glass, it having a little chain attached to a 
narrow belt of soft leather fastened round its body, and another 
equally light chain fastened to a little bucket, kept by its 
weight in the water, until the little fellow raised it up with its 
bill, placed a foot upon it, and pulled again at the chain until 
it reached the desired fluid and drank, when, on letting go, the 
bucket immediately fell into the glass below. In the same 
manner, it was obliged to draw towards its bill a little charriot 
filled with seeds; and in this distressing, occupation was 
doomed to toil through a life of solitary grief, separated from 
its companions, wantoning on the wild flowers, and procuring 
their food in the manner in which nature had taught them." 

The food of the American goldfinch consists chiefly of the 
seeds of the various species of thistles, lettuce, hemp, and sun- 
flower; and in winter, when its more agreeable food is not 
found in sufficient. abundance, it resorts to the fruit and seeds 
of the elder. It also collects the tender buds of trees, as well 
as the confervas of brooks and springs, as a variety of its 
usual fare. 

These birds occasionally do some damage to gardens by 
their indis riminate destruction of lettuce and flower seeds, 
.^0 



THE AMERICAN GOLDFINCH. 53 

and they are therefore often disliked by gardeners ; but their 
usefuhiess, in other respects, far more than counterbalances 
the trifling injuries tl.ey produce. 

After being caught in trap cages, they feed as if quite con- 
tented ; but, should it happen to be in the spring that they lose 
their liberty, and have thus been deprived of the pleasures 
anticipated from the previous union of a mate, they linger for 
a few days, pine away, and die. They are very fond of 
washing and bathing themselves, in clear shallow water, when 
the weather is mild, after which, they are engaged in picking 
up particles of sand and gravel, from which the fancier may 
take a useful hint. 

It is stated that it is more difficult to procure a mule, or 
hybrid, between this species and the Canary, than between 
the latter and the European goldfinch, although the cross has 
often been made with success. 




THE AMERICAN ROBIN. 



Sy7i07iymes. 



Tardus migratorius., 

Touid emigrant, Griev 
Canada, 

Auswanderer Drossel, 

Tordo migratorio, 

Tordo emigi-ante, 

Tordo migrante, 

American Robin, Robin Red 
bieast, Migrating Thrush 
Red-breasted Thi-ush, 



du^ 



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|HE American robin is a saucy familiar "bird, fond of man's 
neighborhood, throughout North America, from the 56th 
parallel of north latitude to the table lands of Mexico, 
and is more frequently to be seen in our orchards and fields 
than in the denser woods. The confidence he reposes in us 
by taking up his abode in our vicinage ; the frankness and 
innocence of his manners ; the simplicity of his thrilling lays, 
delivered in all the artless energy of true love ; and the pecu- 
liar pleasure with which we listen to his vocal powers, ever 
inspires us with attachment and universal respect. Besides, 
the endearing name he sometimes bears, recalls to mind 



THE AMERICAN ROBIN. 65 Y 

the well-known legend, so oft repeated in our juvenile days, 
of the " favorite Robin Redbreast," said to have covered 
with a leafy shroud the lost and wandering " babes in 
the wood." He is commonly called " robin," though there 
is but little resemblance between him and his European 
congener, except in the single circumstance of his having 
a red breast 




EUROPEAN ROBIN. 



The American robin, when reared in a cage, is of a lively 
and gentle disposition, docile, and seemingly content, and the 
melody and simplicity of his song, of which he is very lavish 
in confinement, renders him a special favorite. He sings well, 
readily learns to imitate lively parts of airs, and on the 
authority of Mr. Nuttall, some have been taught to pipe forth 
psalms even to so solemn a measure as that of " Old Hundred !" 
He also acquires a considerable capacity for mimickry, 
imitating the notes of many of the birds around him, as 
those of the pe-wee, blue bird, and whip-poor-will. At times, 
he becomes very tame, and will go in and out of the house 
with domestic confidence, appear uneasy when left alone, and 
will follow his owner, come to her call, peck at her finger, or 
kiss her mouth, with seeming pleasure. His principal song, 
both in confinement and at large, commences in the morning 
before sunrise, and at which time it is very loud, emphatic, 
and full. 

The rufous color of the breast becomes deeper in those 
birds brought up in confinement, and the females are somewhat 
paler than the males. The young, during the first season, are 
spotted on the breast with dusk and white. 



66 THE AMERICAN ROBIN. 



FOOD AND MANAGEMENT. 



During the winter, according to Mr. Audubon, the robin 
feeds on the berries and fruits of our woods, gardens, and 
fields, and even of the ornamental trees of our cities and larger 
towns. The holly, sweet gum, gallberry, and the poke are 
those it first attacks; but as these fail, it feeds on the 
mountain ash, Carolinian cherry, and the azedarach. On the 
latter, in their annual migrations to Florida and the Southern 
States, these birds often glut themselves to such an inordinate 
degree, that they are sometimes found stupified by its narcotic 
power. In spring and summer, they devour worms and 
snails. They also pick up from the fields the seeds of 
maize. 

In confinement, this bird feeds on bread soaked either in 
water or milk, and on most kinds of our native and edible 
fruits. Being equally fond of insects as when at liberty, he 
seizes on all that enter his cage, or come within his reach. 

The robin is comparatively a hardy and long-lived bird, 
and instances are reported of its having been kept for nearly 
twenty years. It suffers much in moulting, even in a wild 
state^ and when in captivity, it loses nearly all Its feathers at 
once. In general, when due care is observed to cleanliness^ it 
is freer from parasitic vermin than most other species. 



&^>- 



thp: song thrUvSH. 



Synonyt 



Turdus musicuSi 
Grive, Tourd, 
Singdrossel, 

Tordo cantador, 

Tordo, 

Song Thi-ush, 



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,HE song thrush is one of the few birds whose clear 
and beautiful notes animates and makes pleasing the 
European woods. From the summits of the highest 
trees, it announces, by its varying song, resembling that of the 
nightingale, the approach of spring, and sings throughout the 
whole summer, especially in the morning dawn and evening 
twilight. For the sake of this song, it is kept by fanciers in a 
cage, whence evening and morning, even as early as February, 
it will delight a whole street by its loud and pleasing song, 
when hung outside of the window, or inside, so that the window 
be a little open. In Thuringia, it is reputed to articulate 
words. Its strophe was heard formerly more frequently 
than it is now. Only old and excellent birds still sing it. 
This thrush will live from six to eight years, if its food be 
varied. 



58 



THE SONG THRUSH. 



DESCRIPTION. 



This species is eight inches and a half long, of which the 
tail occupies three inches and a half; the beak is nine lines 
long, horny-brown beneath, and from the middle to the base, 
yellow; the irides nut-brown; the feet pale lead-color, one 
inch high; the whole of the upper part of the body olive- 
brown ; the throat whitish-yellow, with a black stripe extend- 
ing down its sides; the sides of the neck and breast, pale 
reddish-yellow, with numerous dark-brown, heart-shaped 
spots; the abdomen white, with oval dark-brown spots; the 
inside coverts bright orange-yellow ; the pinion feathers grey- 
brown ; the tail feathers the same. 




THE SONG THRUSH. 



In the female, the two black lines of tlio throat consist of 
small stripes, and the breast is pale yellowish- white. 



FOOD AND MANAGEMENT. 

The food of the song thrush, in a state of liberty, consists 
generally of earth worms, but in autumn they eat berries of all 
kinds. Earth worms constitute their chief sustenance, with 
which they also feed their young. They are easily fed in con- 
finement, and the universal paste is an agreeable delicacy to 
them. Barley meal, or merely wheat bran, wetted with water 
is sufficient to nourish them. But to get them into a state fit 
for song, they must have a more generous diet, such as roll, 
^ ^g$ 



THE SONG THRUSH. 59 

bread, meat, and many other things which come to table, for 
they are not dainty. They are fond of bathing. 

In confinement, this bird is usually placed within a trellis, 
or it is put into a large cage of any shape, but at least three 
feet and a half long, and nearly as high; for, being a large and 
wild bird, and in constant motion, it easily injures its plumage. 
It is best that such large birds should have a' separate room 
appropriated to them, as their copious excrements smell 
offensively.. 



DISEASES. 

The most usual maladies to which this bird is subject are a 
stoppage of the feather glands, constipation, and atrophy. 



^^i 



THE MOCKING BIRD. 



Synonymes. 



Turdus polyglottvs, 
Polyglotte, Tourd poly- 
glotte, Grand Moqucur, 
Vielzlingler Vogel, 
Tordo poligloto, 
Tordo polyglotto, 
Tordo poliglotto. 

Mocking Bird, 



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(HIS "unrivalled Orpheus of the forest and natural 
^m wonder of America," inhabits the whole continent from 
^ 'the state of Massachusetts along the Atlantic, including 
several of the West-India Islands, as far south as Brazil; and 
from the table lands of Mexico, along the very base of the 
Rocky Mountains to Oregon, and the western sources of the 
river Platte. In short, he appears to dwell permanently in the 
milder regions of the New World, in either hemisphere ; and 
those bred north of the Delaware, on this side of the equator, 
are all that ever migrate, in autumn, to moie congenial 
climes. 

The mocking bird, though destitute of brilliant plumage, is 
delicate and symmetrical in his proportions and beautiful 
in his form. His motions are easy, rapid, and graceful, per- 
petually animated with a playful caprice, and a look that 
appears full of shrewdness and intelligence. He listens with 
silent attention to each passing sound, treasures up lessons i 



THE MOCKING BIRD. 61 

t 

from anything vocal, and is capable of imitating with exact- 
ness, both in measure and accent, the notes of all the feathered 
race. And, however wild and discordant the tones and calls 
may be, he contrives with an Orphean talent, peculiarly his 
own, to infuse into them that sweetness of expression, and 
harmonious modulation which characterises this inimitable 
and wonderful composer. With the dawn of morning, while 
yet the sun lingers below the blushing horizon, our sublime 
songster, in his native wilds, mounted on the topmost branch 
of a tall tree or bush, pours out his admirable song, which, 
amidst the multitude of notes from all the warbling host, still 
rises pre-eminent, so that his solo is heard alone, and all the 
rest of the musical choir appear employed as mere accom- 
paniments to this grand actor in the sublime opera of nature. 
Nor is his talent confined to imitation; his native notes are 
also bold, full, and perpetually varied, consisting of short ex- 
pressions of a few variable syllables, interspersed with imita- 
tions, and uttered with great emphasis and volubility, sometimes 
for half an hour at a time, with undiminished ardor. These 
native strains bear a considerable resemblance to those of the 
brown thrush, with which he is so nearly related in form, 
habits, and manners ; but like him, rude from cultivated genius, 
his notes are distinguished by the rapidity of their delivery, their 
variety, sweetness, and energy. As if conscious of his un- 
rivalled powers of song, and animated by the harmony of his 
own voice, his music is, as it were, accompanied by chromatic 
dancing and expressive gestures; he spreads and closes his 
light, fanning wings, expands his silvered tail, and, with 
buoyant gaiety and enthusiastic ecstacy, sweeps around, and 
mounts and descends into the air from his lofty spray, as his 
song swells to loudness, or, in sinking whispers, dies away. 
While thus engaged, so varied is his talent, that it might be 
supposed a trial of skill from all the assembled songsters of 
the air ; and so perfect are his imitations, that even the sports- 
man is at times deceived, and sent in quest of birds that have 
no existence around. The feathered tribes themselves are 
decoyed by the fancied call of their mates ; or dive with fear 

Sg^- — -™ • — — — ' — —^Bm 



62 THE MOCKING BIED. 

into the close thicket, at the well-feigned scream of the 
hawk. 

Soon reconciled to the usurping fancy of man, the mocking 
bird often becomes familiar with his master ; playfully attacks 
him through the bars of his cage, or at large in a room ; rest- 
less and capricious, he seems to try every expedient of a lively 
imagination, that may conduce to his amusement. Nothing 
escapes his discerning and intelligent eye nor faithful ear. He 
whistles, perhaps, for the dog, who, deceived, runs to meet his 
master; the cries of the chicken in distress bring out the 
clucking mother to the protection of her brood. The barking 
of the dog, the piteous wailing of the puppy, the mewing of the 
cat, the action of a saw, or the creaking of a wheelbarrow 
quickly follow with exactness. He repeats a tune of consider- 
able length ; imitates the warbling of the Canary, the lisping of 
the indigo bird, and the mellow whistle of the cardinal, in a 
manner so superior to the originals, that, mortified and 
astonished, they withdraw from his presence, or listen in 
silence, as he continues in triumph. 

In the cage, also, nearly as in the woods, he is full of life and 
action, while engaged in song ; throwing himself round with 
inspiring animation, and, as it were, moving in time to the 
melody of his own accents. Even the hours of night, which 
consign nearly all other birds to silence and rest, like the 
nightingale, he oft employs in song, serenading the houseless 
hunter and silent cottager to repose, as the rising moon 
illumines the darkness of the shadowy scene. His capricious 
fondness for contrast and perpetual variety appears to dete- 
riorate his powers. His lofty imitations of the musical brown 
thrush are perhaps interrupted by the crowing of the cock, or 
the barking of the dog; the plaintive warblings of the blue 
bird are then blended with the wild scream and chatter of the 
swallow, or the cackling of the hen ; amid the simple lay of 
the native robin, we are surprised with the vociferations of the 
whip-poor-will ; while the notes of the garrulous jay, kildeer, 
woodpecker, Baltimore wren, and many others succeed, with 
such an appearance of reality, that we imagine ourselves 



THE MOCKING BIRD. 63 ^ 

ill the presence of the originals, and can scarcely realise the 
fact, that the whole of this singular concert is the effort of a 
single bird. Indeed, it is impossible to listen to these Orphean 
strains, when delivered by a superior songster in his native 
woods, without being deeply affected, and almost rivetted to 
the spot, by the complicated feelings of wonder and delight, in 
which, from the graceful and sympathetic action, as well as 
enchanting voice of the performer, the eye is no less gratified 
than the ear.* 



DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE MALE AND FEMALE. 

The young male bird, which must be selected as a singer, 
may be distinguished by the breadth and purity of the white 
on the wings. This white spot, in a full-grown male, spreads 
over the whole nine primaries, down to, and considerably 
below, their coverts, which are also white, sometimes slightly 
tipped with brown. The white of the primaries, also, extends to 
the same distance on both vanes of the feathers. In the female, 
the white is less clear, spreads only over seven or eight of the 
primaries, does not descend so far, and extends considerably 
further down on the hroad than on the* narroio side of the 
feathers. The black is also more inclined to brown. 



FOOD AND MANAGEMENT. 

In a state of freedom, the principal food of the mocking 
bird consists of insects, grasshoppers, and worms. Dew- 
berries from the fields, and many kinds of our cultivated 
fruits, together with insects, supply the young as well as the 
parents with food. In winter, they chiefly subsist on berries, 
particularly those of the Virginia juniper, (red cedar,) wax 
myrtle, holly, smilax, sumach, sour gum, and a variety of 
others. 

* NuttalL 



64 THE MOCKING BIRD. 

Successful attempts have been made to breed these birds 
in confinement by allowing them retirement and a sufficiency 
of room. Those which have been taken in trap cages are 
accounted the best singers, as they come from the school of 
nature, and are taught their own wild wood notes. The young 
are easily reared by hand from the nest, from which they 
ought to be removed at eight or ten days old. Their food is 
thickened meal and water, or meal and milk, mixed occasion- 
ally with tender fresh meat, minced fine. Animal food, almost 
alone, finely divided and soaked in milk, is at first the only 
nutriment suited for raising these tender nurslings. Young 
and old require, berries of various kinds, from time to time, 
such as cherries, strawberries, whortleberries, &c., and, in 
short, any kind of wild fruits of which they are fond, if not 
given too freely, are useful. A few grasshoppers, beetles, or 
any insects conveniently to be had, as well as gravel, are also 
necessary ; and spiders will often revive them when drooping 
or sick. But, notwithstanding all the care and management 
bestowed upon the improvement of this bird, it is painful to 
reflect that his extraordinary powers of nature, exercised with 
so much generous freedom in a state of confinement, are not 
calculated for long endurance ; for, after this most wonderful 
and interesting prisoner has survived six or seven years, 
blindness often terminates his gay career — thus shut out from 
the cheering light of heaven, the solace of his lonely, though 
active existence, he now, after a time, droops in silent sadness 
and dies. At times, this bird is so infested with a minute 
species of louse as to be destroyed by it. 

Good singing birds of this species generally command from 
$6 to $15 each, though individuals of extraordinary and 
peculiar powers have been sold as high as $50, or $100, each, 
ane even $300 have been refused ! 



THE BROWN THRUSH. 



Synonymes. 



Tardus rufus^ 
Toiird roux, 
Rother Drossel, 
Tordo rojo, 
Tordo ruco, 
Tordo r«sso, 

Brown Thrush, Ferruginous \ 
Thi-ush, Thrasher, ji 

French Mockirg Bird, 

Red Mavy, 



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Of the Southern States. 
( Of Some Parts of New 
/ England. 



I HIS large, cheerful, and familiar songster, inferior to none 
in nausical talent, if we except the mocking bird, is found 
in almost every part of the United States from Canada 
to the shores of the Mexican Gulf, breeding, according to Mr. 
Nuttall, in all the intermediate space, though more abundantly 
towards the north. His voice somewhat resembles that of the 
European thrush, but is far more varied and powerful, rising 
pre-eminent amidst the forest choir. He takes no delight in 
mimicking the song of other birds, and therefore has no claim 
to the title of " mocking bird," as he is usually called at the 
south. 

On the first appearance of this bird in the spring, he faulters 
in his song, like the nightingale, but when his mate commences 
the cares and labors incident to breeding and rearing her 
young, his varied and melodious notes are steadily poured out 



66 THE BROWN THRUSH. 

in all their vigor and strength. In the month of May, while 
the blooming orchards perfume the air and decorate the 
landscape, his enchanting voice, in his affectionate lay, seems 
to give grateful utterance for the bounty and teeming pro- 
fusion of nature, and falls in pleasing unison with the har- 
mony and beauty of the season. And even the young birds, 
in a state of solitary domesticity, without the aid of their 
parent's voice, already whisper forth in harmonious reverie 
the pathetic and sweet warble instinctive to the species. 

Deprived of other society, in a state of captivity, the brown 
thrush is exceedingly familiar, cheerful, and capriciously 
playful. He courts the attention of his keeper, follows his 
steps, complains when neglected, flies to him when permitted 
to be at large, and gratefully sings and reposes when perched 
on his hand. In short, in all his actions, he appears capable of 
real and affectionate attachment ; but, like many other animals, 
he is jealous of every rival, particularly any other bird, which 
he drives from his presence with unceasing hatred. 



FOOD AND MANAGEMENT. 

According to Audubon, the natural food of this species con- 
sists of insects, worms, berries, and fruits of all sorts, being 
particularly fond of ripe pears and figs. In winter, they 
resort to the berries of the sumach, holly, dogwood, and shriv- 
elled wild grapes. 

In a state of confinement, these birds may be reared in the 
same manner, and on the same kind of food as their congener, 
the mocking bird. In the autumn, of the first season, the 
young begin their musical studies, " repeating passages with 
as much zeal as ever did Paganini." By the following spring, 
their lessons are complete and the full powers of their song 
developed. 

Like the American robin, the brown thrush suffers much in 
moulting, and often nearly loses all his feathers at once. 



m^ ^f(Q' 



THE CAT BIRD. 



Synonymes. 



TurdiLS fellvox, 

Gobe-raouche brun de Vir- ) 
ginie, Moucherolle de Vir- > 
ginie, Tourd raiaulant, ) 

Miauendrossel, 

Tordo de mauUido, 

Tordo raiante, 

Tordo miagolare, 

Cat Bird, 



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N E of the most remarkable propensities of this quaint 
and familiar songster, which inhabits almost every 
part of North America from Mexico to Canada, and 
even Kamtschatka, is the mipleasant, loud, grating, and 
grimalkin-like mew, Cpdy,) that it often utters, on being 
otfended or approached ; and thus coupled with the name of a 
" wizzard animal," so much disliked by many, this delightful 
vocalist, which seeks out the very society of magi, and 
reposes an unmerited confidence in his protection, is generally 
treated with undeserved obloquy and contempt. 

" The cat bird," says Nuttall, " often tunes his cheerful song 
before the break of day, hopping from bush to bush, with great 
agility, after his insect prey, while yet scarcely distinguish- 
able amidst the dusky shadows of the dawn. The notes of 
different individuals vary considerably, so that sometimes his 
song, in sweetness and compass, is scarcely at all inferior to 



^1 



68 THE CAT BIRD. 

that of the ferruginous thrush. A quaintness, however, pre- 
vails in all his efforts, and his song is frequently made up of 
short and blended imitations of other birds, given however, 
with great emphasis, melody, and variety of tone ; and, like 
the nightingale, invading the hours of repose, in the late 
twilight of a summer's evening, when scarce another note is 
heard but the hum of the drowsy beetle, his music attains its 
full effect, and often rises and falls with all the swell and 
studied cadence of finished harmony. During the heat of 
the day, or late in the morning, the variety of his song 
declines, or he pursues his employment in silence and 
retirement." 

About the dawn of day, if at large, the cat bird flirts about with 
affected wildness, repeatedly jerks his wings and tail, with a 
noise somewhat resembling a whip, stretching forth his head, 
opens his mouth, and mews. Sometimes this curious cry is so 
guttural as to be uttered without opening his bill. He often 
also gives a squeal as he flies from one place to another. 

According to Latham, this bird is also capable of imitating 
the variable airs of instrumental music, and will sometimes 
mimick the cry of chickens so as to deceive and distress the 
parent hen. When reared from the nest, he is easily domes- 
ticated, becomes a very amusing companion, and seems 
attached to his cage. Although a pleasant songster, he is 
seldom kept in confinement, and I believe all attempts at 
breeding it, have failed. 



FOOD AND MANAGEMENT. 

The natural food of this species is similar to that of the 
ferruginous thrush, consisting principally of insects and 
worms, particularly beetles and wasps, and the various kinds 
of garden fruits. 

[n confinement, the food of these birds may be almost 
everything that is vegetable, except unbruised seeds, such as 
bread, fine pastry, containing little or jio spices, cakes, 

'f^ : ^ 



THE CAT BIRD. 



69 I 



scalded Indian meal, juicy fruits, and now and then some 
bread boiled in milk, a few insects, or minced flesh. The 
young, when taken from the nest, may be fed on ripe cherries, 
and other kinds of juicy fruits. 

" Like all other thrushes," says Mr. Audubon, " this is very 
fond of bathing and rolling itself in the dust or sand of the 
roads and fields. Several are frequently seen together in the 
borders of small ponds or clear rivulets, immersed up to their 
body, splashing the water about them until completely wetted ; 
then ascending to the top of the nearest bushes, they plume 
themselves with apparent care, notwithstanding which, they 
are at times so infested with a minute species of louse as to be 
destroyed by it." 



THE EUROPEAN BLACKBIRD. 



Tardus merula^ 

Merle, 

Schwarzdrossel, 

Merlo, 

Melro, 
Blackbird, 
English Blackbird, 



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EING a permanent resident throughout the whole of 
the Old World, even as far north as Sweden, the 
European Blackbird is sufficiently hardy by nature 
to withstand the climate of nearly, if not all parts of the 
United States. Of all the thrushes, with perhaps the exception 
of the American robin, he is the most capable of instruction. 
His song is rich in melody, and contains some deep notes like 
those of the nightingale, varied, indeed, with some which are 
disagreeably harsh. At large, he sings only from March to 
July, especially at night ; but in the cage, during the whole 
year except at moulting time. A single bird will enliven a 
whole street, so pure, distinct, and clear is his note. His 
memory, also, is so good, that he will learn several airs and 
melodies without mixing them; and sometimes even to 
imitate words. Neither does he forget what he has once 
well acquired. 



THE EUROPEAN BLACKBIRD. 71 f 



DESCRIPTION. 



The European blackbird is about the size of the song thrush, 
nine inches and a half long, of which the tail comprises four 
inches. The beak is one inch long, and of a golden-yellow ; 
the irides dark-brown ; the feet black, and fourteen lines high. 
The male is entirely of a deep-black ; the female black-brown, 
rusty-colored on the breast, and with an ash-colored tinge 
upon the abdomen; the throat, spotted with light and dark- 
brown ; the beak and the feet, black-brown, appearing also to 
be rather larger and heavier, and hence it has sometimes been 
considered a distinct species. 



FOOD AND MANAGEMENT. 

When wild, the blackbird, like other species of thrush, 
feeds on all kinds of edible berries, such as the elder, 
cherry, and mountain ash ; and when this food is not abund- 
ant, it satisfies itself with the tips of the white thorn. At this 
time, it often seeks for insects near the vicinity of warm 
springs. 

In confinement, these birds are content with the first kind of 
universal paste, described at page 13, but will also eat bread, 
meat, and most kinds of food that comes to table. The young, 
which must be taken from the nest when their quills have 
but just sprung, can be reared upon roll steeped in milk. 

The blackbird should be kept in a large cage, for it is not 
prudent to allow it to associate with other birds, as either 
through covetousness or caprice, it will attack the smaller 
kinds, and even peck them to death. Like all the allied 
species, this bird is fond of frequent bathing, and consequently 
should be amply supplied with the means. In captivity, 
he will live from twelve to fifteen years, especially if his 
food be varied. 



72 THE EUROPEAN BLACKBIRD. 



DISEASES. 



The blackbird is particularly subject to a stoppage of the 
oil gland, which may be softened by the application of fresh 
butter, mixed up with a good deal of sugar, the aperture being 
enlarged by gently distending it with a needle, or a small 
knife ; but a lead salve, or rather a salve of litharge of silver, 
white lead, wax, and olive oil, which must be ordered at an 
apothecary's, opens it best. The usual remedy is to pierce it 
wich a needle, or to cut off the hardened gland. If this evil 
have not yet too severely affected the health of the bird, it 
may be sought to be remedied by puncturing the gland, com- 
pressing it frequently, bathing the bird with a syringe, and' 
plucking out some of the feathers of the tail. The accumulated 
fat is absorbed in the renewal of the feathers, when the gland 
resumes its natural functions. 







THE RICE BUNTING. 



Synonymes. 

Icterus agripennis, Euiberiza ortjzivora. 
Ortolan agripenne, Ortolan de riz, 
Reiss Ortolan, Fettaramer von Carolina, 
Hortelano de arroz, Hortelano con ) 
plumas agi-ias, J 

Cenchramo d'ai-roz, Cenchramo com ) 
pennas agudas, 5 

Ortolano di riso, 

Rice Bunting, Rice Troopial, Rice Bird, 
Reed Bird, Boblink, Bob-o-link, " 
Lincoln, Bob Linkling, Skunk Black- 
bird, Meadow Bii'd, Butter Bird, 



jBird, ) 
f, Bob f 
Black- f 
d, ) 



Of Ornithoxogists, 
Of the French. 
Of the Germans, 

Of the Spaniards. 

Of the Portuguese. 
Of the Italians, 

( Of the British and 
} Anglo-Amkiucans. 



|HIS well-known and truly migratory bird, familiarly 
known to everybody by the name of "Bob Lincoln,'' 
. . who, as a stranger, perhaps, thinks it a point of polite- 
ness thus to announce himself, as he sits on a rail of the fence, 
or the branch of a tree, on his annual return in the spring from 
the south, inhabits the whole continent of America, from 
Labrador to Mexico ; although his winter residence appears to 
be more confined to Cuba, Jamaica, and other West-India 
Islands than to the main. 
4 



^M 

74 THE RICE BUNTING. Y 

In the month of May, these birds fix their abodes in the 
" savannahs" of Ohio and Michigan, and the cool grassy 
"meadows" of New York, Canada, and New England for the 
purpose, principally, for hatching and rearing their young. 
The song of the male continues, with but little interruption, 
during the period of incubation, and his chant, at all times 
veiy similar, is both singular and pleasant. " Often, like the 
skylark, mounted and hovering on the wing, at a small height 
above the field, as he passes along from one tree top or weed 
to another, he utters such a jingling melody of short variable 
notes, so confused, rapid, and continuous, that it appears 
almost like the blending song of severai different birds. 
Many of these tones are very agreeable, but they are delivered 
with such rapidity that the ear can scarcely separate them. 
The general effect, however, like all the simple efforts of 
nature, is good, and when several are chanting forth in the 
same meadow, the concert is very cheerful, though monotonous, 
and somewhat quaint. Among the few phrases that can be dis- 
tinguished, the liquid sound of Bob-o-lee, or Buh-o-link, Boh-o- 
linke, is very distinct. 

" To give an idea of the variable extent of song, and even an 
imitation, in some measure, of the chromatic period and air of 
this familiar and rather favorite resident, the boys of this part 
of New England, [Cambridge,] make him shout among others, 
the following ludicrous dunning phrase, as he rises and hovers 
on the wing near his mate: — ' ' Bdb-d-link, ^Bob-o-link, ^Tom 
Denny ^ ''Tom Denny — ''Come pay me the tivo-and-six-pence you^ve 
owed more than a year and a half ego ! — hshe ^tshe ^tshe, ''tsh hsh 
hshe,' modestly diving at the same instant down into the grass, 
as if to avoid altercation. However puerile this odd phrase 
may appear, it is quite amusing to find how near it approaches 
to the time, and expression of the notes, when pronounced in a 
hurried manner." * 

This relish for song and merriment, confined wholly to the 
male, diminishes as the period of incubation advances, and 
when the young brood begin to flutter around their parents, 

k ' '""''"■ k 

mm~- '^a 



THE RICE BUNTING. 75 f 

the song becomes less freqent. Sometimes the female is 
inclined to have a second brood, for which preparation is made 
while she is yet engaged in rearing the first; but the male 
generally loses his musical talent about the first week in July ; 
from which time, or perhaps earlier, his spring or pied dress 
begins gradually to be laid aside for the more humble brownish- 
black and brownish-yellow garb of the female, the whole, both 
old and young, then appearing nearly in the same songless 
livery, uttering only a chhik of alarm when surprised. 

When the voice of the male begins to fail, with the progress 
of the exhausting moult, he flits over the fields in a restless 
manner, and merely utters a broken ''hoVlee ''hoVlee^ or with his 
songless mate, at length, a hoeet 'weet, Vleet b'leet, or a noisy and 
disagreeable cackling chirp. But at the early dawn of day, 
while the tuneful talent of the species is yet unabated, the 
effect of their awakening and faultering voices, jingling 
throughout the wide expanse of meadows is singular and 
grand. These sounds mingle like the noise of a distant torrent, 
which alternately subsides and rises on the breeze, as the 
performers awake or relapse into rest ; finally, they become 
more distinct and tumultuous, till, with the opening day, they 
assume the intelligible character of their ordinary song. 

From the varied and changing plumage of this pleasing, and 
in some respects ludicrous bird, as well as for the singularity 
of his song, he is eagerly sought after by fanciers, and usually 
commands a fair price. Large numbers are annually captured 
in the Northen States in trap cages and fed, almost immediately 
after which, they resume their song. Many are purchased and 
carried to Europe, often to the disappointment of the adven- 
turer, in regard to his profits, as, by the time they reach their 
destination, they change their livery and cease to sing. 

FOOD AND MANAGEMENT. 

The food of the rice buntings varies according to the season 
and locality in which they reside. Although on their early 
arrival at the north it consists of grubs, worms, caterpillars, 



76 THR RICE BUNTING. 

beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, ground spiders, &c., they 
frequently feed on the seeds of dandelions and docks, the 
former of which are oily and sweet. Later in the season, and 
previous to leaving their native regions, they feed principally 
on various kinds of grass seeds, paricularly those of millet or 
other allied species (Panicums). If short of other food, they 
also attack the ripened fields of barley, wheat, and oats, in 
which they show their taste for plunder, and flock together 
like other blackbirds. 

About the middle of August, vast parties of these birds enter 
the states of New York and Pennsylvania on their way south, 
where, along the margins of the large rivers, they find an 
abundant means of subsistence, during their short stay, on the 
seeds of wild rice (Zizania). As soon as the cool nights of 
October set in, and the wild rice crops begin to fail, these birds 
take their departure from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and 
in their further progress through the Southern States, they 
congregate in large numbers in the rice fields, upon which 
they greedily feed, and, before the crop is gathered, they have 
already made their appearance in Cuba and Jamaica, where 
they subsist on the seeds of the Guinea grass, (Sorghum,) and 
become so fat as truly to deserve the name of " butter birds," 
and are highly esteemed for the table. 

In a state of captivity, the food of this bird, during spring and 
summer, should resemble as nearly as possible that of nature ; 
but in winter, he may be fed on rice, boiled in milk, millet, 
Canary seeds, wheaten bread, soaked in water, and minced 
animal food, containing no seasoning nor salt. 




THE RAVEN, 



Synonymes. 



Corviis corax, 

Corbeau, 

Gemein Rabo, Kolkrabe, 

Cuervo, 

Corvo, 

Raven, Crow, Corby, 



Of ORNITIIOLOGiSTS. 

Of the Frknch. 
Of thk Germans. 
Of the Spaniards. 
Of the Italians and 

Portuguese. 
i Of the British and 
Anglo-AiMericans. 



tF all birds which have a convex, round, knife-shaped 
bill, furnished at the base with hair projecting for- 
wards, in other words, of all that belong to the tribe of 
crows, this, from the breadth of its tongue, is the most easily 
taught to imitate the human voice. On the ground, he walks 
in a stately manner, his motions exhibiting a kind of thoughtful 
consideration almost amounting to gravity. His ordinary 
voice consists of a hoarse croak, resembling the syllable crock 
or cruck ; but he frequently emits a note not unlike the sound 
of a sudden gulp, or the syllable cluck, which he seems to utter 
when in a sportive mood ; for, although ordinarily grave, the 
raven sometimes indulges in a frolic, performing somersets ^ 



78 



THE RAVEN. 



Y 



and various evolutions in the air. When divination formed a 
portion of the popular belief in Europe, this bird was held in 
considerable repute. Trouble was even taken to study its 
actions and all the circumstances attending its flight, and the 
various modulations of its voice. Of these, sixty-four different 
variations were enumerated, without including the more deli- 
cate intonations, exceedingly difficult to distinguish, to detect 
which, however, an excessively fine ear was requisite, as its 
cry, crock and cruck, is so simple ! Every distinct change had 
its peculiar signification, and there were not wanting people 




THE RAVEN. 



who studied to acquire this knowledge, while others carried 
their folly so far as to believe that, by eating the heart and 
viscera of this bird, they could acquire its prophetic powers. 

The raven may be said to possess a social disposition ; for, 
after the breeding season has passed, flocks are often seen in 
the northern parts of Europe and the adjacent islands, amount- 
ing to one or more hundreds. These birds can perceive an 
object, as a dead carcass, at a great distance, but that they can 
smell carrion a quarter of a mile off, we have no satisfactory 



m^ mm 

Y THE RAVEN. 79 

proof, neither need we believe that they can; for as v/e may 
account for the phenomenon by their sight, it is ur^necessary 
to have recourse to their other faculties. Ravens have cha- 
racter in their flight, as men have in their walk. A poet 
sauntering by a river, a conchologist or fisherman hunting along 
the shore for shells, a sportsman searching the woods and 
fields for game, a lady running home from a shower, or a 
gentleman retreating from a mad bull, move each in a different 
manner, suiting the action to the occasion. In like manner, 
ravens, as well as other birds, might communicate intelligence, 
perhaps, several miles distant, judging by the flight of their 
neighbors, that they had a prize in view. In this way, a 
system of telegraphing could be extended over a large extent 
of country, and a great number of birds might be made to 
assemble in a single day. 

When domesticated and treated with kindness, the European 
raven, as well as our native variety, becomes attached to his 
owner, and will follow him about the garden or house, with all 
the familiarity of a confiding friend. 



FOOD AND MAWACJEMENT, 

Although the raven is omnivorous, its chief food is carrion, 
by which is here meant the carcases of sheep, horses, cattle, 
deer, and other quadrupeds, dolphins and cetaceous animals in 
general, as well as fishes that have been cast ashore. In 
autumn, it soriietimes commits great havoc among grain, and 
in spring, it occasionally destroys young lambs. It has also 
been accused of killing diseased sheep by picking out their 
eyes; but of this there is no satisfactory evidence. It annoys 
the housewives sometimes by flying off with young poultry, 
and especially by breaking and sucking eggs which the ducks 
or hens may have deposited, as they frequentl}^ do, among the 
herbage, 

) When these birds are intended to fly about, the young must 
1 be removed when half fledged, about twelve days after they 
m 



80 THE RAVEN. 

are hatched, and fed upon meat, snails, and earth worms ; they 
are also accustomed to eat bread and roll steeped in milk. 
The description of food they seek, when at large, as young 
hares, birds, eggs, mice, young geese, chickens, snails, pears, 
cherries, &c., renders them partly injurious and partly 
beneficial. 

This bird can be allowed to run at large, or fly about, and if 
reared from the nest, which must be the case if he is to be 
taught to speak, he will return to the place of feeding, upon 
calling him Jack, the name he usually bears. All glittering 
metal, especially gold, must be hidden from him, or he, like 
some other bipeds, will carry it off. To facilitate his speaking, 
or to give his tongue greater freedom, which is necessary for 
articulate sounds, the tongue chord is sometimes loosened with 
the view of increasing or heightening his powers of speech. 
Individuals, however, have been heard to speak with an un- 
loosened tongue. The raven is naturally a long-lived bird, 
individuals having been known to live upwards of one 
hundred years. 



i 



■<m 



PIGEONS 




THE ROCK PIGEON, OR WILD DOVE. 



Synonymes. 



Colvmba livia, 

Colombe, Biset sauvage, 

Holztaube, 

Paloma toreaz, Paloma del 
campo, 

Pombo bravo, 

Colombo salvatico, 

Biset, Wild Rock Pigeon 
White-Rumped Pigeon 
Rock Dove, Wild Dove, 



i( \ 



Of Ornithologists. 
Of the French. 
Of the Germans. 

Or the Spaniards. 

Of the Portuguese. 
Of the Italians. 

Of the British and 
Anglo-Americans, 



iHE rock or wild pigeon of Europe is well known as 
^^5 the inhabitant of the pigeon houses in various parts of 
the world, or " dove cots," as they are more frequently 
called, buildings expressly erected for the purpose of contain- 
ing colonies of these birds. In this state, Avhere they enjoy a 

perfect freedom of action, and are nearly dependant upon their 

4* 






82 PIGEONS. 

own exertions for support, they can scarcely be called 
" reclaimed," much less " domesticated." Man, indeed, has 
only taken advantage of certain habits peculiar to the species, 
and by the substitution of an artificial for a real cavern, (their 
natural habitation,) to which the pigeon house may be com- 
pared, has brought it into a kind of voluntary subjection, 
without violating, or at least greatly infringing upon its 
natural condition, and has rendered it subservient to his 
benefit and use. 




DESCRIPTION. 

In its natural state, the bill of this bird is blackish-brown ; 
the nostril membrane red, sprinkled, as it were, with a white 
powder ; the irides, pale reddish-orange ; the head and throat, 
bluish-grey; the sides of the neck and upper part of the 
breast are dark lavender-purple, glossed with shades of green 
and purplish-red ; the lower part of the breast, abdomen, wing 
coverts, as well as the upper mandible, bluish-grey, the greater 
A coverts and secondaries are barred with black, forming two 

^m — -^^ 



PIGEONS- . 83 



broad and distinct bars across the closed vvings ; the lower part 
of the back is white ; the rump and tail coverts, bluish-grey; the 
tail, deep-grey, with a broad black bar at the end ; the legs and 
feet are purplish-red; the wings, when closed, reach within 
half an inch of the end of the tail. 



ORiaEN OF FANCY PIGEONS AND THE COMMON 
HOUSE DOVE. 

It is from the wild rock pigeon, ( C. Uvia,) that all those 
numerous varieties, or, as they are frequently termed, " races," 
of the common inhabitants of the dove cot have descended, 
which are so highly prized, and fostered with such care and 
attention by the fancier, or amateur breeder; for, however 
diversified their forms, colors, or peculiarity of habit may be,' 
they are ail considered as having originated from a few acci- 
dental varieties of the common house pigeon, and not from any 
cross of that bird with other species, no signs nor marks 
whatever of such being apparent in any variety known to us. 
In fact, the greater part of them owe their existence to the 
interference and art of man ; for, by separating from the wild 
rock pigeon, such accidental varieties as have occasionally 
occurred, by subjecting them to captivity and familiarisation^ 
and by assorting and pairing them together, as fancy or 
caprice suggested, he has, at intervals, generated ail the 
various races, and peculiar casts, which, it is well known, 
when once produced, may be perpetuated for an indefinite 
period, by being kept separate from, and unmixed with, others ; 
or, in other words, what is commonly termed breeding 
" in-and-in." 

Indeed, the fact, that all the varieties, however much they 
may diffisr in color, size, or other particulars, if permitted, 
breed freely and indiscriminately with each other, and produce 
a progeny equally prolific, is another and a convincing proof 
of their common and self-same origin ; for it is one of those 
^ universal laws of nature, which, if once set aside or not 

B^p ___ -^^ 



84 PIGEONS. 

enforced, would plunge all animated matter into indescribable 
confusion, that the offspring produced by the intercourse of 
different, (that is, distinct species,) is incapable of further 
increase. That such an intercourse may be etfected, is well 
known ; but it is generally under peculiar or artificial circum- 
stances, and rarely when the animals, birds, or whatever .they 
may be, are in their natural state, and in a condition to make 
their own election. Thus it is in the crosses obtained in a 
state of confinement, between the Canary and goldfinch, 
linnet, &c. But in all these instances, the progeny are 
invariably "mules," and as a general rule, are incapable of 
further production ; for although they may exhibit the passions 
natural to the sexes, and the females may produce eggs, 
which, in general, even with extreme care, are found addled 
and incapable of being hatched. Such, I may add, is the case 
with hybrids of some of the crosses themselves ; for the mongrel 
progeny of the wild turtle dove, (Turtur communis,) of Europe, 
with the turtle of the aviary, (7'. risoria,) has been proved, by 
frequent experiments, to be barren, although the two species 
whence it originated appear to be closely allied, and a mixed 
breed is easil;f procured ; and such I am justified in saying, 
would be the event, if a cross could be obtained between the 
rock pigeon, {Colmnha livia,) and the European wood pigeon, 
( C. cenas,) or stock dove, as it is improperly called, or with the 
ring pigeon, ( C palumhus,) or any other species. 



VARIETIES. 

To describe or particularise all the varieties possessed by 
fanciers, would require a volume in itself; as, in addition to the 
permanent races, or those which, when kept pure, transmit 
their likeness to their offspring, there are intermediate casts 
produced by particular crosses between individuals belonging 
to the different varieties, and which, though highly prized in 
the first generation, are not considered worthy cf further 
extension; as their progeny cannot be depended upon, but are 



— ^n 

Lr9l 

85 



found to degenerate, and arc liajjlc to run into still more 
distant and less-valued races. 

Among the numerous varieties kept in aviaries by fanciers, 
which are deemed worthy of being perpetuated by breeding 
distinct, the following are held in particular esteem : — 




THE BROAD OR FAN-TAILED SHAKER. 

This beautiful variety of the pigeon tribe receives the name 
of " fan-tail," from its habit of spreading out the feathers of its 
tail like a turkey cock, (for the same reason it is called Pigeon 
paon by the French,) and that of " broad-tailed shaker" from its 
breadth of tail, and a peculiar quivering motion of the neck, 
which is regarded as the attitude of courtship. From this 
motion, it is also sometimes called by the French Pigeon 
tremhleur paon. 

This bird has a full breast, and a short, handsomely-formed, 
arched neck, which it carries in a graceful swan-like curve. 
Its tail, according to the rules of the fancy, should consist, at 
the least, of twenty-four feathers; and at the most, of thirty-six, 
which number it should not exceed; for, if the tail be over- 
crowded with feathers, the bird suffers it to droop, a defect 
never overlooked, although the specimen may be faultless in 
every other respect. 

Fan-tails, whose plumage is pure white, are more highly 
prized than those displaying red, yellow, blue, and black-pied 
colors ; their carriage of the neck and tail being considered by 
far the most striking and elegant. 
OtSs^ <^1 



86 PIGEONS. 

Some persons discriminate a variety which they call the 
" narrow-tailed shaker ;" but this is only a degenerate breed of 
the fan-tail, or the result of a cross. Its neck is shorter and 
thicker, back longer, and it has not so many tail feathers as the 
broad-tailed shaker ; neither does it expand its tail so fully, but 
keeps the feathers rather closed one over the other, so as to 
resemble a fan when some little way open. The color of its 
plumage is generally white; but a few different tints, and even 
an almond variety, are to be met with occasionally. 

TUMBLERS. 

These pretty pigeons are so called from their peculiar habit 
of tumbling backwards in the air when on the wing ; besides 
which, they soar to so great a height as to be almost lost to the 
view; when flying, they congregate very closely together; and 
if they be good birds and accustomed to each other, they will 
maintain such a compact flight, that a dozen may almost be 
covered with a large handkerchief 

If the weather be warm and bright, they may be allowed to 
wing their aerial gambols for four or fiv« hours in succession ; 
but care must be taken, that no other species of pigeon mix 
with them, for if they once become familiarised and fly with 
others, they will gradually drop their highly-prized mode of 
flight, and of course become worthless. They should never be 
let out on a dull, heavy, misty morning, nor when a fog appears 
to be rising, nor during a high wind; as all such atmospheric 
variations, by causing desertions '^rofn their lofts tend to 
diminish the stock. A hen tumbler should never be allowed 
to fly while with egg. 

The most esteemed tumblers do not somerset when swoop- 
ing along, but only when they are beginning to rise, or when 
coming down to pitch; and to preserve this, and the high-flying 
properties in his stock, the provident fancier must spare no 
expence in the purchase of one or two first-rate birds that have 
been used to soaring, as they will be of much service in train- 
A ing the young ones. 

md^ ■ — — ^m 



PIGEONS. 87 

When the birds are accustomed to their houses, they may be 
turned out upon the wing, but only once a-day. A bright grey 
morning is the best time, especially for young birds ; and some 
hemp or Canary seeds must be scattered round their cots, to 
entice them in, when their hours of liberty have expired. 

There is a particularly fine variety of this pigeon, which is 
called the " bald-pated tumbler," denoted by the cut below, 
from its having a beautiful snowy white head; it has pearl 
eyes, and in plumage is exceedingly diversified ; the tail and 
flight feathers, however, match the head, which is pure white. 
When a tumbler, either of a black or blue color, has a long 
dash of white from the under jaw and cheek to a little way 
down the throat, it is called a " black" or "blue-bearded" bird, 




BALD-PATED TUMBLER. 



as the color may be ; and if this beard be well shaped, and the 
bird be clean in the tail and flight, as before described, it may 
be reckoned very handsome and valuable. When these 
pigeons are dashing along in the brilliant sunshine, the lively 
contrast of their feathers adds much to the vivacity of their 
appearance. 

There is another and still more beautiful variety of this 
breed, called by some fanciers the " ermine tumbler," but 
which is generally known by the name of the " almond 
tumbler." It is an extremely elegant, and highly-prized 
variety, and is derived from common tumblers judiciously 
matched; as yellows, duns, whites, black-splashed, black- 
frizzled, &c., so as to sort the feathers. 

mm^ —____ — ^i9 



88 PIGEONS. 

When in perfection, tumblers are esteemed by many persons 
to be the prettiest of all the pigeon tribe ; and this high opinion 
is borne out by the beautiful diversity of their colors, which 
are so elegant and rich, in some birds, that they have been 
compared to a bed of tulips. The more they are variegated in 
the flight and tail, especially if the ground color be yellow, the 
more they are prized ; and a fine bright-yellow ground has the 
precedence of all others, from its being so exceedingly difficult 
to acquire, that twenty light-colored birds may be procured for 
one displaying a deep, richly-tinted ground. 




THE CARRIER. 

The carrier. Pigeon de Turquie, of the French, is somewhat 
larger than most of the common pigeons; its feathers lie very 
close and smooth, and its neck is long and straight. From the 
lower part of the head to the middle of the upper chap, there is 
a lump of white, naked, fungous-looking flesh, which is denom- 
inated the "wattle;" this, in good birds, is met by two small 
swellings of similar flesh, which rise on each side of the under 
chap ; and if this flesh be of blackish color, the bird is con- 
sidered very valuable. The circle round the black pupil of the 
eye is usually of a brick-dust-red color; but if it be of a 
brilliant red tint, it adds considerably to the value of the bird ; 
this circle is surrounded by another of naked fungous flesh, 
generally about the breadth of a half eagle, the greater the 
breadth of which, the more it is admired. When the incrusted ^ 



» ■ — _ — ^ 

Y PIGEONS. 89 ? 

flesh round the eye is very thick and broad, it shows that 
the pigeon will prove a good breeder, and will rear fine 
young ones. 

The properties attributed to the carrier, and prized by 
fanciers, are three in the head, three in the eye, three in the 
wattle, and three in the beak. The properties of the head con- 
sist in its being flat, long, and straight ; for instance, if the head 
be very long, narrow, and flat, it is reckoned, in shape, perfect ; 
if the contrary, it is termed a " barrel head." The properties 
of the wattle of the eye are its breadth and circular, uni- 
form shape; for, if one part appear to be more scanty than 
another, it is termed " pinch-eyed ;" and is of comparative little 
value ; while, if it be full, even, and free from irregularities, it 
forms a " rose eye," and is highly prized. The wattle should 
be wide across the beak, short from the head to the point of 
the beak, and lean a little forward from the head ; as the bird 
is said to be " peg- wattled" if it lie flat. The beak must be 
black, long, straight, and thick ; if it be an inch and a half in 
length, it is considered a long beak, but it must never measure 
less than an inch and a quarter; if the beak be crooked, (hook- 
beaked,) or spindle-beaked, the value of the bird is much 
diminished. This variety, in general, is either dun or black in 
color, although white, blue-splashed, and pied specimens 
occur ; the black and dun birds are usually the most perfect 
in their properties; but as the blues, whites, and pieds are 
very rare, even inferior birds of these colors are of consider- 
value. 

THE HORSEMAN. 

Many fanciers suppose the " horseman " to be a cross 
breed, either between a tumbler and a carrier, or a pouter 
and a carrier, and then again bred from a carrier. In 
shape, it resembles the carrier, but it is smaller in all its 
proportions; its body being less, its neck shorter and the 
fungous-looking flesh round its eyes not exuberant, so that 
there is a greater space between the wattle on the beak, than 
that round the eye. 



90 PIGEONS. 

The most approved colors for this variety of pigeon are the 
blue, and blue-pied, as they are usually the best breeders. 
They should be flown twice a-day regularly, when young ; and 
as they gain strength on +he wing, they should be allowed to 




THE HORSEMAN. 



range loose, without any other birds in company. This 
variety is the kind generally employed in carrying letters ; the 
genuine carriers being much too scarce and valuable to be 
commonly used. 




THE POUTER. 

All pigeons, as is well known, have the capability of in- 
flating their crops with air; and a fine pigeon, with breast 
feathers glossed with metallic tints, strutting and bowing, with 
an inflated crop, around his mate, presents no uninteresting 
spectacle; but this remark will not apply to this bird. In 
the " English pouter," or " pouting horseman," there is nothing 

Em — -€ii 



PIGEONS. 91 

pleasing in its appearance nor graceful in its proportions; 
indeed, the inflation of the voluminous crop, rendering an erect, 
stiff, and apparently constrained attitude necessary, gives an 
aspect of distortion, or a want of a due balance of parts. 

The pouter is of large size, often measuring eighteen inches 
in length from the tip of the beak to the end of the tail. The 
chest is not really voluminous, though it appears enormous 
when the crop is distended with air ; the back is concave, and 
the tail ample ; the tarsi are very long, and covered with downy 
feathers. These pigeons are of various colors, as blue, rufous, 
pied, or altogether white. Those birds which are tall, erect, 
with a very ample crop, and with the colors of the plumage 
regularly disposed, and according to certain fancy rules, are 
esteemed the most valuable. 

The pouter is formed by a cross between the " dragon " and 
the " old Dutch cropper," v/hich latter bird, except in the 
development of the crop, (whence its name,) had nothing to 
recommend it. From this intermixture, not without much c^re 
and expense, has resulted this favorite variety. The flight of 
the pouter is buoyant, but not rapid, nor capable of being long 
sustained. As varieties of the pouter, or rather as breeds 
allied to it, may be mentioned the " uploper " and the " Parisian 
pouter," said to bo a beautifully-marked bird ; but with these, 
I have no personal acquaintance. 

Pouters are very expensive birds to rear, as the strain will 
soon become degenerate. As the old birds pay little attention 
to the wants of their young, it frequently happens that the tiny 
creatures are starved to death. Careful fanciers,' therefore, never 
allow them to hatch their own eggs, but shift them as soon as 
they are deposited under a hen " dragoon," that has lately 
laid; and place the eggs of the latter bird under the pouter, in 
order that she may commence incubation ; otherwise, she will 
lay again in a short time, which, often repeated, would, in all 
probability, kill her. Every pouter must ])o kept by itself 
during the winter season; and their coops must bo lofty, so 
that they may not acquire a stooping habit, which is a very 
great fault. In the spring, every pair of pouters must have 



f 92 



two pair of dragoons to tend and feed them ; but care must be 
taken that the dragoons are kept in a loft separate from the 
pouters, as otherwise, a cross breed would probably be the 
result, and the stock become degenerate. 

Pouting horsemen are not so much in repute as formerly, 
the " almond tumblers " having almost superseded them. 




THE DRAGOON, OR DRAGON. 

Dragons are bred between a tumbler and a horseman ; and 
by frequently crossing them with the horseman, they acquire 
much strength and swiftness. They are exceedingly good 
breeders and kind nurses, and are, therefore, often kept as 
feeders for rearing young Leghorn " runts," pouters, &c. 

The dragon is somewhat lighter and smaller than the horse- 
man ; and one of its chief beauties consists in the straightnesg 
of the top of its skull with that of its beak, which, according to 
the rules of the fancy, should form almost a horizontal line. 
These birds should be flown and trained while young, in the 
same way as the horsemen, which they are considered to 
surpass in swiftness, in short flights of from ten to twenty 
miles ; but in longer distances, if the horsemen be well bred, 
they will far outstrip the dragoon. 

THE JACOBIN. 

This pigeon, often called a " Jack," is, when perfect in its 
properties, extremely rare. The real Jacobin is a very small 
bird, and the smaller it is, the more valuable ; it has on the ^ 

— ■ t^h 



PIGEONS. 93 

hinder part of its head, inclining towards the neck, a range 
of inverted feathers, in appearance like the cowl, or cap, of a 
monk ; and from this peculiarity, it receives the sobriquet of 
« Jacobin," or " capper." These feathers are technically termed 
the " hood," and if they grow compact and close to the head, 
they enhance the value of the bird considerably ; the lower 
part of the hood is called the " chain," and the feathers com- 
posing it should be long and thick. 




THE JACOBIN. 



A small head, very small spindle-shaped beak, and beauti- 
fully clean, pearl eyes are other properties of this little pet. 
Yellow, red, blue, and black are the colors usually bred, and 
in point of color, the yellow birds are preferred before all 
others ; however, let the color of the body be what it may, 
according to the rules of the fancy, the tail, flight, and head 
must invariably be white; sometimes the legs and feet are 
covered with feathers. 

THE CAPUCHIN. 

In its properties, this variety is closely allied to the Jacobin, 
and is, by some fanciers, considered a cross between that breed 
and some other kind. It has a longer beak, and is altogether a 
larger bird, than the Jacobin ; its hood is extremely pretty, but 
it lacks the chain. 



THE MAWMET. 

The Mahomet, commonly corrupted to " Mawmet," is a beau 
tiful cream-colored bird, with bars of black across its wings 



94 PIGEONS. 

although the surface of its feathers is of a cream-color, the part 
next the body, the flue feathers, and even the skin, are of a dark 
sooty tint ; it is about the size of a " turbit," but it has in place 
of a frill, a fine gullet, with a seam of beautiful feathers ; its 
head is thick and short, and its eyes orange-color, surrounded 
by a small, naked circle of black flesh ; it has a little black 
wattle on its beak, which is short and stout, and somewhat 
resembles that of a bulfinch. 




THE BARB. 

This variety was originally brought from Barbary. In size, 
it is somewhat larger than the Jacobin ; it has a short, thick 
beak, a small wattle, and a circle of thick, naked, incrusted 
flesh round its eyes ; the wider this circle of flesh spreads round 
the eye, and the more brilliant its color, the more the bird is 
prized; the circle is narrow, at' first, and is not fully developed 
until the bird is three or four years old. 

The plumage of the Barb is usually dun or black ; but there 
are pied birds of both colors ; these last are held in little esti- 
mation, as they are supposed to be only half bred ; when the 
pinion feathers are dark, the irides of its eyes are pearl color ; 
but when the pinions are white, the irides are red. Some of 
these birds are ornamented with a tuft of feathers rising from 
the back part of the crown of the head. 

THE TURBIT. 

This variety is somewhat larger than the Jacobin. Its head 
is round, and beak short ; from the breast grows a tuft of fea- 

^ ^.j^ 



PIGEONS. 95 

thers named the " purle," spreading in opposite directions, like 
the frill of a shirt ; and from the beak to the purle reaches 
the gullet. 

The colors of this pigeon are mostly yellow, dun, red, blue, 
and black; and accasionally chequered. According to the 
fancy, the back of the wings and tail should correspond in 
color, except in the yellow and red birds, whose tails should 
be white. A stripe of black should cross the wings of the 
blue birds, but the other body and flight feathers should be 
white; they are termed "black-shouldered," or "blue-shoul- 
dered," as their color may be ; and when of one color only, 




these pigeons have been sold as "owls." Turbits are also 
chosen for the shortness of their beaks, and their spreading 
"purle;" and if well-trained, when young, they will become 
excellent flyers. 

THE NUN. 

The nun is greatly admired, from the elegantly contrasting 
colors of its plumage. Its body is generally white, and its tail 
and six flight feathers of its wings should be either wholly red, 
vivid yellow, or black, as likewise its head, which is adorned 
and nearly covered by a tuft, or " veil," of pure white feathers. 

According to its colors, the bird is termed a red, yellow or 
black-headed " nun," as it may happen to be ; and whenever the 
feathers vary from this rule, the bird is termed " foul-headed," 
or "foul-flighted," and is greatly diminished in value; but 
A with such as frequently rear clean-feathered birds, as perfect 



^ III' 

f 96 PIGEONS. \ 

specimens, it is scarcely possible to obtain one entirely free 
fi'om foul feathers. Smallness of head and beak, a pearl eye, 
and largeness of veil, are desirable properties in this bird. 

THE HELMET. 

This variety is a somewhat larger bird than the nun. Its 
head, tail, and flight are mostly of one color, either yellow, 
blue, or black tint, and the other parts of the body are generally 
white ; its head bears a delicate tuft of feathers, differing in 
color from the body, and in form like a helmet. It is a pretty 
bird, but is not a fine flyer. It is most useful as a riurse. 

To the varieties already enumerated; I might add several 
others,' as the " owl," the " ruff," the " spot," the " lace," the 
" finnikin," and the " Friezland runt;" but these breeds are not 
common, nor are they generally held of much account. x'Vs 
for the French, Leghorn and the Spanish " runts," they are not 
to be placed among the fancy varieties, being remarkable 
merely for their size, and are appopriate for the dove cot. 



FOOD. 

In a state of nature, the rock dove feeds on grain and seeds 
of various kinds, as well as on vegetables. According to 
Montagu, it also devours some kinds of snails, and is particu- 
larly fond of the Helix virgata. 

In a state, of confinement or fajniUaj-isaiiun, these birds are 
fond of almost every kiijd of grain, but old tares are found, by 
experience, to be the best for them ; horse beans, particularly 
the smaller sorts, as small ticks, are considered next to tares in 
point of nutritive properties; oats, barley, wheat, and peas, 
may be given occasionally, and will be found wholesome 
varieties of diet. Pigeons are very fond of rape, hemp and 
Canary seeds, which, however, should only be given occasion- 
ally ; and new tares should especially be given to young birds 
very sparingly. Many fanciers make a composition of salt, A 
—^ — €l'a 



gS^- — -^^ 

9 PIGEONS. 97 

lime mortar, and a little clay, mixed with spicy seeds, as 
caraway, which they allow their pigeons to feed upon at will. 

The seed may be scattered on the floor amongst the gravel, 
although many persons recommend little contrivances to put it 
in, on the score of keeping it cleaner and better. 



DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATION AND MANACJEMENT. 

Familiarised, or fancy pigeons are generally confined in 
aviaries, or lodged in appropriate buildings attached to or near 
the house of the breeder, in order that they may be regularly 
and easily fed; cleansed, and duly attended to in all matters 
having reference to their condition and health ; for their natural 
instinct and feeling of liberty have been so nearly effaced, or 
placed in abeyance by the captivity to which they have been 
subjected, for so many generations, that they have become 
nearly dependent upon man for support, and have lost the 
power or capability, even when allowed to fly at large, of 
looking for and finding their own food. 

In these buildings, it is common to erect a certain number of 
boxes, or divisions, against the walls or sides, each calculated 
to accommodate a pair of pigeons, with their nest and young. 
They succeed best when separate and distinct from each other, 
with a small platform, and an entrance just large enough to 
admit the bird ; as when disposed in a continuous row, and 
open in front, they are apt to interfere with each other, and, 
by their jealousies and contentions, prevent the due increase 
of eggs and young. 

The most common shape for a pigeon house is the one repre- 
sented in the succeeding illustration, but the form is immaterial. 
It is, however, necessary that the holes should be large enough 
for the birds to turn round in with ease ; and there should be in 
front shelves and partitions of from seven to nine inches in 
depth, so as to keep the couples apart, and afford them resting 
places ; and two holes for each couple, between each partition, 
will be desirable. The cot should be fixed where it will be 

%^ — '. — m^ 



■^^/0. 



98 



screened from cold winds, which are extremely prejudicial to 
the birds; a southern or south-western aspect should, therefore, 
if possible, be chosen ; visits from cats and rats must also be 
carefully guarded against. 




.»^' 



If the young fancier be enabled to fit up a loft over a stable, 
or other out-building, for a pigeon house, the best arrangement 




PIGEON LOFT. 



he can adopt is that shown in the above illustration. The 
means for exit and re-entrance must be first thought of; and 
if there be no window in the loft, two holes must be made in 
the wall, at about five feet from the floor, each sufficiently 
large to admit a pigeon easily ; a shelf should be fastened on 
the inside,'and another on the outside, of the said apertures; on 



J 



mm*-- 

Y PIGEONS. 99 9 

this latter shelf, a trap, or " aerie," should be affixed, the 
intent and purposes of which I shall presently explain. At 
the upper part of the loft, rough branches should be placed as 
perches in the manner shown in the representation. At about 
four feet from the floor, breeding boxes, according to the 
number of birds intended to be kept, should be securely fixed 
to the wall, care being taken to protect them from rats, &c. 

Some fanciers furnish their boxes with little earthenware 
pans, or small baskets, for the birds to deposit their eggs in ; 
although the eggs are not so likely to be broken in the baskets 
as in the pans, the latter, if supplied with straw, are cleaner 
than the baskets ; the pans should vary in dimensions, accord- 
ing to the class of pigeon for which they are designed. It is 
well to put two of these receptacles in each little room, as the 
hens frequently go to the nest again when their broods are 
about three weeks old, leaving them to the care of their mates. 
Instead of egg boxes, shelves partitioned off, and having 
sliding fronts for the convenience of cleaning, are used ; if the 
young fancier intend to keep " pouters," the shelves should be 
fourteen inches in breadth, and at least twenty inches apart, so 
that the birds may not acquire the habit of stooping, which 
depreciates their value. 

As pigeons drink differently from most other birds, that is, 
by taking a long-continued draught, like cattle, a fountain, or 
large-bottomed glass bottle, with a tolerably long neck, for water, 
should be provided for their house ; it should be placed on a 
small three-legged stool, so that its mouth may incline into an 
earthenware pan, into which the water will trickle slowly, and 
cease when it reaches the level of the mouth of the bottle, and a 
continued supply of fresh water thus be kept up ; two or three 
bricks will serve instead of a stool, to give the bottle the neces- 
sary elevation. 

To insure the thriving of the birds, the loft and shelves 
should be kept clean, and gravel strown on the floor; indeed, 
gravel must on no account be omitted, as pigeons are exceed- 
ingly fond, of pecking it. 

The " aerie" before mentioned, which is fastened on the 

Sg^ ■ — « 



100 PIGEONS. 

shelf outside of the loft, is a trap made of laths. It has two sides 
and a front only, the wall of the loft forming the back ; the 
front and sides act upon hinges, so that they may be thrown 




AERIE OPEN. 



open, and laid flat on the platform, as in the above figure 
A, B, C ; and on the upper parts of these flaps are fastened 
strings, united to a single string in the middle of the trap ; the 
string is carried over the swivel E, at the top of the machine, 
to a hiding place, whence the owner can see all that passes, 
and when a bird alights within the aerie, he jerks the string, 
the flaps are elevated, and the bird is immediately a prisoner. 
The aerie, when shut, presents the appearance shown in the 
following illustration. This kind of trap is used not only by 




AERIE CLOSED. 



fanciers, but by amateurs;- and is an important appendage to 
the loft, both as a means of self-defence to secure strays, and 
to shut in their own birds. Among amateur fanciers, the first- 
mentioned purpose is to secure valuable and favorite breeds 
from being deteriorated through stray birds of no value pairing 






riGEONS. 101 

with them. When any strays are taken in the trap, they are 
killed for the table, unless called for and claimed by their 
owners, within twenty-four hours after their capture, and a 
trilling sum may then be demanded for trappage. 

To ensure the purity of any particular kind, the young males, 
as soon as they show symptoms of maturity, which may be 
known by particular gesticulations and their cooing notes, are 
placed apart in a chamber appropriated for the purpose, with a 
female of the same variety. Here they remain till a mutual 
attachment has taken place, after which, they may be returned 
to the general aviary, or dove house; for, when once an 
alliance is effected, it generally continues undissolved and 
inviolate till the death or removal of one of the parties; on 
which account many different varieties may be kept in the 
same aviary, or associated together in one building, without 
much apprehension of having a contaminated breed. 

For mating, or coupling pigeons, it is a good plan to build 
two cots, divided only by a lath partition, by which means the 
birds will see each other, and may feed out of the same little 
vessels ; when, by giving them plenty of hemp seed, they will 
soon be fit for mating. When the hen sweeps her tail, put her 
in the cock's pen, and they will readily agree. Where it is 
not convenient to make this probationary pen, and you are 
obliged to place them both in one coop, put the cock in a few 
days before his mate, that he may get accustomed to it, and 
feel himself master, especially if the hen be high spirited; else 
they will quarrel so fiercely, that their disputes will terminate 
in a total dislike to one another. 

When the pigeons are comfortably matched, allow them the 
full run of the loft, to select a nest for themselves ; or choose a 
nest for them, and inclose them in it for several days, by means 
of a slight lath railing, giving them an abundant supply of 
food and water during the whole time. Both male and female 
engage in the construction of the nest, and relieve each other 
in the task of incubation. Two eggs only are laid, and the 
young are hatched blind, naked, and helpless, and sedulously 
fed and cherished by both parents. Several pairs of young 1 

Em^ ^o 



m^ » ■ -^m 

^102 PIGEONS. 

are reared during the season. The young are fed for some 
days after exclusion from the egg, not on grain, nor insects, but 
upon a peculiar lacteous secretion, or curd-like matter, which 
is poured out from a series of glands in the crop both of the 
male and female, which glands develope themselves into 
activity by a mysterious law at the proper juncture. This 
lacteous fluid is very abundant, and will frequently drip from 
the bills of the pigeons as they approach their young. It is 
thrown into the open mouths of the nestlings by a kind of 
exgurgitation, the receiving one and the giver being both in 
agitation. In the course of a few days, pulse or grain, 
moistened in the crops of the parents and mixed with this 
lacteous curdy fluid, is given, the secretion gradually decreas- 
ing as it is less and less required, till at length peas, moistened 
or macerated in the crop, are alone transferred into those of the 
young. 

About the third day, some of the ordinary food, after mace- 
ration in the crop, is added, its proportion being increased, till 
at length, when the young quit the nest, it constitutes their 
food entirely. 

Though fancy pigeons are kept for the sake of their beauty 
and peculiarities, the ordinary dove-house pigeon is reared 
almost exclusively for the sake of its flesh, which is accounted 
in most countries a delicacy. But how far the rearing of great 
numbers of these birds is profitable in our country may admit 
of question; the quantity of peas, beans, and grain, which 
even a small flock will annually consume, is enormous. 
What, then, must be the consumption of flocks of many 
hundreds ? 



DISEASES. 

The megrims, or epilepsy, is an incurable disorder, in which 
the pigeon miovcs about and flutters at random, with its head 
turned, and its bill resting upon its back. 

If the birds suffer much while moulting, remove them to a 



k 



am m^ 

Y PIGEONS. 103 f 

warm place, mix a good quantity of hemp seed in their ordi- 
nary food, and tinge their water with saffron. 
: When the birds are affected with the wet roup, give them a 
! few pepper corns once in three or four days, and put some 
green rue in their water. 

The dry roup is a husky cough, arising from* a cold ; when 
three or four cloves of garlic should be given to the birds daily. 

When your pigeons are infested with insects, fumigate their 
feathers thoroughly with tobacco. 

The canker is occasioned by the cocks pecking each other, 
which, as they are extremely irritable, they often do. To cure 
it, rub the part daily with a mixture of burnt alum and honey. 

If the incrusted flesh round the eyes of " carriers," " Barbs," 
or " horsemen," be injured or pecked, bathe it with salt water ; 
and if, in some days, this remedy does not succeed, another 
lotion composed of three drachms and ahalf of alum, dissolved 
in two ounces of water should be tried. 

When " pouters" and "croppers" gorge themselves, by over- 
eating, after long fasting, put the bird, feet downward, into a tight 
stocking, smoothing up the crop so that, overloaded as it is, it 
may be kept from hanging down ; then hitch up the stocking on 
a nail, and keep the bird a prisoner until its food is digested, 
supplying it with a small quantity of water occasionally. 
When the bird is taken out of the stocking, it should be put 
into an open coop or basket, and fed but scantily for a while. 

For lameness, or swelled balls of the feet, whether from cold, 
cuts with glass, or any accident, the most effectual application 
is a small quantity of Venice turpentine spread on a piece of 
brown paper. 







-^m 




THE EUROPEAN QUAIL» 



Tetrno colurniXy 

Caille, 

Wachtel, 

Codomiz> 

Qiiaglia, 

Quail, Common Quaily 



Of Ornithologists. 
Of the French. 
Of the Germans. 
Of the Spaniards and 

Portuguese. 
Of the Italians. 
Of the British and 
Anglo-Americans. 



^^^E SIDES beauty of form and plumage, the song of 
(^$^ the common quail of the Old World is no slight re- 
^^S^^ commendation to the amateur. In the breeding sea- 
son, that of the male commences by repeating softly, tones 
resembling verra, verra, followed by the word pieveroie, uttered 
in a bold tone, with the neck raised, the eyes shut, and .the head 
inclined on one side. Those that repeat the last syllables ten 
or twelve times, consecutively, are the most esteemed. That of 
the female only consists of verra, verra, pupu, jmpu, the last two 
syllables being those by which the male and the female attract 
one another's attention; when alarmed or angry, their cry 
resembles guillah! but at other times, it is only a murmur, 
resembling the purring of a cat. This bird never sings when 






Y 



THE EUROPEAN QUAIL. 



105 



left to run about in a light room, except during the night, but 
continually when in a darkened cage. 

When wild, the quail is found throughout the eastern conti- 
nent. It is a bird of passage, arriving in Europe in May, and 
taking its departure at the end of September. 




FOOD. 



In a wild state, the qiiail feeds on wheat and other corn, 
rape seed, millet, hemp seed, and the like. It also eats green 
vegetables, as well as insects, and particularly ants' eggs. 

In the house, it is fed on the same food, adding bread, barley 
meal, mixed with milk, the universal paste, and occasionally 
salad or cabbage, chopped up small, and, that it may want 
nothing to keep it in health, plenty -of river sand for it to roll 
in and peck up grains, which assist its digestion; but this 
sand must be damp, for if dry, it will not touch it. It drinks a 
great deal, and the water, contrary to the opinion of some 






106 THE EUROPEAN QUAIL. 

persons, should be clear, and never turbid. It moults twice in 
the year, once in autumn, and again in spring; it then requires 
river sand, and greater attention than at other times. 



BREEDING. 

The quail breeds very late, never before July. Its nest, if it 
can be called so, is a hole scratched in the earth, inwhich it 
lays from ten to fourteen bluish-white eggs, with large brown 
spots. These are hatched after three weeks' incubation. The 
young ones, all hairy, follow the mother the moment they leave 
the shell. Their feathers grow quickly, for in the autumn they 
are able to depart with her to the southern countries. The 
males are so ardent, that if one is placed in a room with a 
female, he will pursue her immediately with extraordinary 
eagerness, tearing off her feathers if she resist in the least ; he 
is less violent if he has been in the same room with her during 
the year. The female, in this case, lays a great many eggs 
but rarely sits on them ; yet if young ones are brought her 
from thQ fields, she eagerly receives them under her wings, 
and becomes a very affectionate mother to them. The young 
must be fed on eggs, boiled hard and cut small, but the best 
way is to take the mother with the covey, which may be done 
with a net. She watches over them attentively, and they are 
more easily reared. During the first year, one would think 
that all in the covey were females, the males resemble them so 
much, particularly before the brown shows itself on the throat. 

The adult female, however, differs very sensibly from the 
male ; her throat is white, and her breast paler, and spotted 
with black, like that of the throat. 



MANAGEMENT. 

In the house, if allowed to range, its gentleness, neatness, and 
peculiar motions are seen to advantage ; but it is often kept in 
^ a cage of the following make : — 



THE EUROPEAN QUAIU 107 

A small box, two feet long, one foot deep, and four high, of any 
shape which is preferred ; in this are left two or three openings, 
one for drinking at, the other to give light; besides this all is 
dark ; the bottom is a drawer, which should be covered with 
sand, and have a seed drawer at one end ; the top is of green 
cloth; for as the quail often springs up it would hurt itself were 
it of wood. The case should be suspended during the summer 
outside the window^ for the quail sings much more when con- 
fined in this manner than if allowed to rang« the room, where 
there are many things to cail off its attention from its song. 




4 

ix^ — — ^ 



f 



BIRDS, CAGES, AND SEED 



The Subscribers take this method of informing the public that tliey keep constantly 
on hand and for sale, from November to May of each year, a CHOICE COLLEC- 
TION OF HEALTHY YOUNG BIRDS, noted for the excellence of their song, fine 
forms, beautifully-marked plumage, and other good qualities, consisting of German 
and French Canaries, and other Em-opean Song Birds, the prices of which vaiy 
according to their ages and qualities. 

The prices of Canai'y Birds vary from .$2 to $10 each, or $4 to $15 per pair. 

Linnets, from $2 to $2.50 each. 

Goldfinches, $2 to $2.50 " 

Bulfmchcs, $5 to $20 « 

Song Thrushes, $G to $15 " 

Nightingales, $10 to $20 " 

Black Caps, $5 to $10 " 

European Robins, $4 to $8 « 

Eiu-opean Sky Larks, $3 to $20 " 

Euix)pean Wood Larks, ., $4 to $10 " 

Em-opean Blackbirds, $4 to $10 " 

Mocking Birds, $15 to 25 " 

Breeding Cages, $1 to $3 " 

Gallery Cages $1 to $5 " 

Rape Seed, Millet, Canaiy Seed, Meal Womns, Utensils for Feeding, Materials for 
building nests, &c., &c., on reasonable terms. 

During the warmer months of the year, we visit Europe for the purpose of replen- 
ishing om- stock and making aiTangements for subsequent importations. 

All persons interested in this subject ai-e respectfully invited to give us a call. 

N.B. For change of place of business after the 1st of May, each year, se« advertise- 
ment in the New-York Sun. 



CHARLES REIOHB AND BROTHER, 

177 William street, New York. 



L^i 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



002 844 56 



